BREAST-FEEDING CONDITIONS A DIFFERENTIAL DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERN OF MUCOSAL IMMUNITY

  • 1 October 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (1) , 216-222
Abstract
A prospective study of 146 children was conducted to evaluate the influence of infant feeding patterns on the development of mucosal immunity. First, there was a trend towards lower IgG concentrations in the breast-fed neonate, indicating a possible earlier ''closure'' mechanism of membrane permeability. Second, the post-natal increase in IgA was earlier and greater in formula-fed infants. Third, IgM was detected earlier, more frequently, and at higher levels in formula-fed infants.