A meta analysis of 3,021 patients determined that vitamin A supplementation was beneficial in treating pneumonia in children. At the same time, the research determined that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce the overall mortality of children with pneumonia. The good news for parents is that the supplementation sped-up the “overall clinical response rate” and shortened the duration of fever and cough. Supplementation also lowered the “clearance time” of signs and abnormal chest X-ray results.Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, length of hospital stay was reduced with vitamin A supplementation. The meta-anylysis was published at an important time in vitamin A research as some studies previously pointed to an increased rate of adverse reactions in hospitalized children who were given the supplement. This study, however, showed that vitamin A, provided as an adjuvant therapy, did not increase the incidence rates of adverse reactions. Adverse reactions that are typical with pneumonia include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergy, and bregma bulging.The study, published in Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, concluded: “Current evidence shows that in the treatment of pneumonia in children, vitamin A supplementation helps to relieve clinical symptoms and signs and shorten the length of hospital stay. The adjuvant therapy does not increase the incidence rates of adverse reactions.” Supplementing the diet with a quality vitamin A product will provide even more protection. DAK1K2 from Optimal Health Systems combines 2,500 IU of vitamin A with three other essential vitamins. The end result is a potent supplement providing the critical vitamins most people are deficient in. Review DAK1K2 here. - - - Sources: PubMed.gov and GreenMedInfo.com.
