COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THYROID PROFILE IN BREAST-FED AND BOTTLE-FED INFANTS

Abstract

Background: Hormonal derangements of infancy are among preventable diseases. Therapeutic administration of synthetic hormone is an expensive option. Breastmilk being optimized with all the required nutrient is a natural option. Breastfed infants are, therefore, supposed to have less variations in hormonal levels.

Objectives: To measure thyroid in infants exclusively on breast feeding and formula milk feeding.

Methods: This study comprised of eighty infants of both gender’s divided into two groups, one exclusively breastfeeding and other on formula fed milk. Blood samples were analyzed for thyroid function tests through chemiluminescent immunoassay technique. Difference if any was statistically calculated by applying One-Way ANOVA/Independent T Test through GraphPad Prism 8.0. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  Serum T3 mean values  in all groups ranged from 1.43 ng/mL to 1.65 ng/mL. T3 mean values were numerically higher in formula-fed female group. There is no significant statistic difference present among various groups, with a p value of 0.083. Serum T4 mean values in all groups ranged from 104.95 ng/mL to 119.8 ng/mL. T4 mean values were numerically higher in breast-fed female group. There is no significant statistic difference present among various groups, with a p value of 0.423. Serum TSH mean values in all groups ranged from 2.56 µIU/mL to 2.83 µIU/mL. TSH mean values were numerically higher in breast-fed male group. There is no significant statistic difference present among various groups, with a p value of 0.632.

Conclusion: There is no significant statistical difference present in thyroid hormones in breastfed and formulafed groups.