Decreased thymus size in formula‐fed infants compared with breastfed infants

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate if breastfeeding affects the size of the thymus. Ultrasound assessment of the thymic index (a volume estimate) at birth and age 4 months in 47 healthy infants born in the hospital were used. History of feeding mode, body size and illness were registered. At 4 months the geometric mean thymic index (range) was 38.3 (16.2-83.2) in exclusively breastfed infants (n = 21), 27.3 (15.6-50.0) in partially breastfed infants (n = 13) and 18.3 (12.2-32.6) in formula fed infants (n = 13; p = 0.0001, ANOVA). This finding was independent of weight, length, sex and previous or current illness. There was no significant difference in mean thymic index at birth between the three feeding groups and mean thymic index had increased in all three groups from birth to 4 months. For the formula-fed infants it seems that the thymus remains large for a period and then decreases in size after breastfeeding has been terminated. We conclude that the thymus is considerably larger in breastfed than in formula-fed infants at the age of 4 months. The cause of this difference is unknown but human milk contains many immune modulating factors that might cause this effect.

Breastfeeding and Risk of Infections at 6 Years

“…For example, the thymus is a central organ in the immune system, responsible for the proper development of T lymphocytes. Using an ultrasound technique to measure thymic index size, Hasselbalch et al 22 found that, at 4 months of age, infants who were exclusively breastfed had significantly larger thymus glands than those who were partially breastfed or formula-fed only. Jeppesen et al 23 later published a report that not only substantiated their previous findings regarding increased thymus size with breastfeeding, but it also found a correlation between breastfeeding and CD8+ T cells.…”

Homage to the ‘H’ in developmental origins of health and disease

“…The thymus is larger in infants either breastfed earlier or later in infancy compared with those who received formula. 91,92 Thymic enlargement in breastfed infants is associated with increased number of circulating CD8+ (cytotoxic) T-lymphocytes. 93 Breastfeeding appears to strengthen a child's immunological response against certain vaccinations.…”

“…Breastfeeding of varying lengths Breastfeeding appeared to positively influence cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents 91,92 Ultrasound assessment of thymic index at birth and 4 months of age in 47 healthy male and female infants with 21 exclusively breastfed, 13 partially breastfed, 13 exclusively formula fed. 91 A cohort of 50 male and female infants and all partially breastfed when recruited at 8 months of age.…”

“…91 A cohort of 50 male and female infants and all partially breastfed when recruited at 8 months of age. Ultrasound assessment of thymic index was performed at 8 and 10 months of age 92 Breastfeeding either early or later in infancy Thymic enlargement in offspring breastfed earlier or later in infancy 93 4-month examination, infants were divided into three groups according to breastfeeding status…”

Spesifitas Biologis Air Susu Ibu

“…Sebagai contoh pada bayi yang mendapat ASI eksklusif organ thymus pada usia 4 bulan dua kali lebih besar dibandingkan pada bayi 4 bulan yang hanya mendapat susu formula. 1 Memang ASI adalah makanan terbaik yang dapat diberikan ibu pada bayinya baik yang cukup bulan maupun yang kurang bulan. Komposisi ASI dapat berubah sesuai dengan kebutuhan nutrisi bayi pada setiap saat.…”