Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin E in Reducing the Duration of Treatment in Children with Gastroenteritis
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025),
12 May 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v13i1.48218
Abstract
Background and Aim:
Gastroenteritis is a common disease in children that can lead to various complications and dehydration. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on reducing the duration of treatment in children with gastroenteritis.
Methods:
This randomized interventional study was conducted on 60 children aged 12 months to 13 years with gastroenteritis admitted to Amirkabir Hospital in Arak. The patients were divided into two equal groups (30 children each) using block randomization: an intervention group receiving vitamin E for 10 days along with standard gastroenteritis treatment (fluid therapy and ORS) and a control group receiving only standard treatment (fluid therapy and ORS). After the treatment period, both groups were evaluated for clinical improvement based on symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, which were recorded in a checklist for each patient. The data from both groups were analyzed statistically using SPSS software.
Results:
The mean age of children in the vitamin E and control groups was 5.20 and 5.67 years, respectively. The two groups showed no significant differences in age or gender (P=0.106 and P=0.437, respectively). The mean duration of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anorexia was significantly lower in the vitamin E group compared to the control group (P<0.0001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the duration of fever, dehydration, or vomiting (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, or vomiting.
- Vitamin E
- gastroenteritis
- diarrhea
- vomiting
How to Cite
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