Investigating the Impact of Vitamin E Supplementation on Clinical Recovery Time in Pediatric Gastroenteritis Accompanied by Electrolyte Disturbances Vitamin E Supplementation in Gastroenteritis
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 13 (2025),
12 May 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v13i1.48218
Abstract
Background and Aim: Gastroenteritis is a common illness in the pediatric population
and can lead to dehydration and several related complications. Vitamin E is a fatsoluble
vitamin recognized for its antioxidant effects and its role in protecting cells from oxidative
damage. Because oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to the progression of
gastrointestinal infections, vitamin E could potentially support recovery and improve clinical
outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether vitamin E supplementation can
reduce the duration of treatment in children diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
Methods: In this randomized interventional study, 60 children aged 12 months to 13 years
with gastroenteritis were assigned to intervention or control groups using block randomization
with eight blocks. The intervention group received vitamin E for 10 days in addition to
standard therapy, while the control group received standard treatment alone. Blinding was
not possible due to the inability to prepare a suitable placebo and the involvement of the
researcher in the randomization process. Clinical outcomes—including diarrhea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration—were defined using standard clinical criteria and
assessed at baseline and after the treatment period using a structured checklist. Data were
analyzed using the SPSS software (version 23).
Results: The mean age of children in the vitamin E and control groups was 5.2 and 5.67
years, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms
of age or sex (P=0.106 and P=0.437, respectively). The duration of diarrhea, abdominal pain,
and anorexia were significantly shorter in the vitamin E group than in the control group
(P<0.0001). By contrast, the duration of fever, dehydration, and vomiting did not differ
significantly between the groups (P=0.810, P=0.536, and P=0.685, respectively).
Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that vitamin E reduces the duration of diarrhea,
abdominal pain, and anorexia in children with gastroenteritis but has no effect on the duration
of fever, dehydration, and vomiting.
- Vitamin E
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
How to Cite
References
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