The Comparison of Salivary IgA and IgE Levels in Children with Breast- and Formula- Feeding During Infancy Period

Abstract

Introduction
Oral local immune factors may play a protective role against oral diseases and defend against microbial agents. Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a major factor for the local host de-fence against caries and periodontal disease. The aims of this study were to determine the concen-trations of salivary IgA and IgE levels in breast-fed and formula-fed children in infancy period.

Methods and Materials
Totally, 80 healthy 5 years old children were included in the study. Ac-cording to type of feeding in infancy period, the children divided into two groups: 50 breast-fed and 30 formula-fed. One milliliter of saliva was collected from each participant, centrifuged, and stored at -70 ˚C. The salivary IgA and IgE concentrations were measured, using ELISA technique.

Results
In breast-fed children, the salivary IgA level (39.6 mg/l ± 17.3) was significantly higher than that in formula-fed children (26.9 mg/l ± 14) (P=0.0001). However, the salivary IgE level was significantly lower in breast-fed children, comparing with formula-fed ones (5.01 IU/ml ± 19.70 vs. 11.74 IU/ml ± 39.40) (P=0.047).

Discussion
These results suggest that breast feeding enhances salivary IgA level in the early period of life which may contribute in oral cavity immunity. Higher salivary IgE level observed in for-mula-fed subjects may have a potential role in development of allergic or inflammatory reactions.

Keywords
Breast Feeding, Formula Feeding, Saliva, IgA, IgE, Children.