While many people do not necessarily associate the condition with mortal danger, every year diarrhea kills an estimated 8.8 million children worldwide, according to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) report. Now, research is recommending that families implement a number of simple remedies for pediatric loose bowels, including taking vitamin supplements.

A study published in the journal PLoS Medicine contains seven easy interventions that parents and children can use to reduce the risk of diarrhea. These public health recommendations are intended to reduce the international prevalence of diarrhea-related deaths from 8.8 million to 4.2 million by the year 2015, which is a goal set in the latest MDG.

The prevention guidelines include breastfeeding, regularly washing hands, improving sanitation and water sources, rotavirus vaccination and vitamin A supplementation.

Additionally, the group notes that hydration and zinc supplementation can be used to treat existing cases of diarrhea, potentially reducing the risk of dangerous complications arising from the condition among children.

Vitamins and dietary supplements may also contribute to improved well-being and a better sense of physical health.