Effect of infant feeding on epicardial fat thickness in normal weighted children

EFT is an independent predictor of coronary artery disease and closely associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on EFT thickness in normal-weighted children to predict the increased risk of coronary artery disease. This study included 84 normal weighted children (aged between 5-10 years), who admitted to pediatric cardiology department from October 2013 to March 2014. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the feeding regimen in the first 6 months of year. Group 1 consisted of children who were exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months (n: 45). Group 2 consisted of children who were fed with both breast milk and formula (n: 37) and the Group 3 included children who only fed with formula (n: 2). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and epicardial fat tissue measured. EFT was statistically lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2. EFT was highest in Group 3. The children who breastfed for longer time had low EFT thickness and this correlation was statistically significant (r= -0,457, p<0,001). In conclusion echocardiographically measured EFT thickness is low in breastfed children compared to formula-fed children. © 2015, Anatolian Journal of Clinical Investigation. All rights reserved.