Does Breastfeeding Influence Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels and Body Composition in Children

Introduction: The purpose of this work was to investigate the association of serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels with duration of breastfeeding and body composition in children.
Patients and Methods: The study group consisted of 88 patients with a median age of 12 months (42 boys, 46 girls), classified as never breastfed or fully breastfed. ADMA and hs-CRP were measured by immunoenzymatic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay commercial kits. Body composition analysis was performed by bioelectrical impedance.

Results: We found significantly higher serum ADMA levels but not serum hs-CRP levels in never breastfed compared with the fully breastfed group (p<0.05). Serum ADMA was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and breastfeeding duration (p<0.05). Positive correlation was found between ADMA and body fat mass (p<0.05).

Conclusions: In never breastfed children, increased ADMA is observed; however, further studies are needed to assess whether breastfeeding duration affects body fat and body composition at older ages.