The effect of plasma ghrelin and serum leptin levels on growth in breastfed and formula-fed infants during early infancy period [Erken bebeklik döneminde anne sütü ve formül mama ile beslenen bebeklerin ghrelin ve leptin düzeylerinin büyüme üzerine etkisi]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of ghrelin, leptin and lipid levels on growth status of healthy infants fed with breastmilk (BF) and formula (FF). Material and Metods: This study was performed in 46 healthy infants. The study group was subdivided into two subgroups according to nutrition status as breastfed and formula infants. These infants were evaluated at two different times (mean of the second and fifth months, respectively). The ghrelin, leptin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of infants were studied at the first visit. Results: Plasma total ghrelin concentrations were significantly higher in BF group than FF group(p<0.05). Although the serum leptin level was not statisticaly significant, it was higher in BF group. In BF group, positive correlations were found between total ghrelin concentrations and mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) at first visit. Serum leptin levels were positively correlated to BMI at both visits (p<0.05) and TST at second visit (p<0.01). In the FF group, positive correlations were found between total ghrelin levels and head circumferences at first visit and body weight at second visit (p<0.05). One breastfeeding period was longer, feeding frequency and defecation frequency were higher in BF group than FM group (p<0.01, p<0.01, p