Study 1 - Effects of Powdered Fertilized Eggs on the Stress Response

• This double-blind controlled study investigated the effect of a course of powder of fertilized eggs (Young Tissue Extract: YTE) had on the human stress response.
• Participants were divided into two groups, one who received YTE, and a control group who received a placebo. These groups were further divided into high and low-stress groups, based on the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The trial went on for four weeks.
• When the YTE and placebo groups were examined overall there was little difference observed in general well-being. However, it was observed that the high-stress group taking YTE had a significantly lower score on the TSST as compared to the high-stress group taking the placebo. Additionally, for the high-stress subjects who received YTE, an improvement in the psychological and endocrine stress response was observed.
• Although the study reported that further research is needed, this research concluded that YTE selectively improves the stress response, with the effect being greater in people with higher stress levels.

Study 2 - The Effects of Powdered Fertilized Eggs on Depression

•  This study from 2011 reported that "YTE elevates 17-ketosteroid levels in the adrenal glands, which decreases stress-related hormones such as cortisol. Dysregulation of the stress response may play a role in major depression." The study Glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms in major depression was cited as support for the statement, but the majority of that research was behind a paywall and we were unable to confirm the data.
• The study also reported that the "Determination of any relationship between YTE and the stress response requires further research."

Other Helpful Findings

• The paper published by TeloYouth that was provided in the initial request appears to simply be a republication of a research paper published in 2009 that they rebranded with their logo and trademark, while still maintaining all the original research and credit. A link to the original research on PubMed can be seen here, although the majority of the article is paywalled.
• A study published in 2020 examined the egg yolk proteins in fertilized chicken eggs at 0, 10 and 18 days after fertilization. It was found that there were differences in the protein levels at the various times. Some of this research may provide further evidence of the claims made in the 2009 research.
• Another study from 2020 looked at the "effects of fertilized egg yolk extract on myoblast proliferation and differentiation." Although the majority of the article is behind a paywall, the summary indicates that "Exposure to fertilized egg yolk led to a more muscle-like shape in myoblasts (they fused together to form the multinucleated structures seen in muscle) compared to unfertilized egg yolk at specific concentrations." While not specific to stress, it does show that research on fertilized eggs continues.
• There appear to be many products on the market using some form of fertilized egg extract or powder. These include Yolked, Laminine, AminoSerene, and TeloYouth.

Research Strategy