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

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 defence against caries and periodontal disease. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations 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. According 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 formula-fed subjects may have a potential role in development of allergic or inflammatory reactions.