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Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the association of serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and high sensitive C-reactive protein levels (hs-CRP) with duration of exclusive breastfeeding (BF) in children, and body composition.
Patients and methods The study group consisted of eighty eight patients aged median 12 months, (M – 42; F – 46), classified as never breastfed (NBF), or fully breastfed (BF). ADMA and hs-CRP were measured by immunoenzymatic ELISA commercial kits and expressed in µmol/L and ng/mL, respectively. Body composition analysis was performed by bioelectrical impedance (BIA).
Results We found significantly higher serum ADMA levels but not serum hs-CRP levels in NBF when compared to BF group (p < 0.05). According to BMI data starting from the age of 12 months more overweight/ obese children were found in NBF children when compared to BF. Serum ADMA was inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol levels and breastfeeding duration in studied children (p < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between ADMA and body fat mass (p < 0.05).
Conclusion In NBF children increased circulating ADMA is observed, however further studies are needed to assess whether breastfeeding duration affects body fat and other measures of body composition at older ages.