comparison of salivary IgA and IgE levels in children with breast- and formula- feeding during infancy period

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. 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. In breast-fed children, the salivary IgA level [39.6 mg/1 +/- 17.3] was significantly higher than that in formula-fed children [26.9 mg/1 +/- 14] [P=0.0001]. However, the salivary IgE level was significantly lower in breast-fed children, comparing with formula-fed ones [5.01 lU/ml +/- 19.70 vs. 11.74 lU/ml +/- 39.40] [P=0.047]. 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