Measles is not prevented by Vitamin A. Experts detail the true functions of this dietary supplement.
Vitamin A and Measles: The United States is currently grappling with a significant increase in measles cases, which have been confirmed in 30 states. In this chaos, some are turning to vitamin A supplements as a potential solution, following recent remarks from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
West Texas and New Mexico have been the epicenter of these outbreaks. Beyond these two states, measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other locations. Health officials have warned travelers to exercise caution.
Historically, measles has been a well-controlled infectious disease; however, it has experienced a few resurgences. The U.S. has faced two major measles outbreaks in recent decades – the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both of which were fueled by undervaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently claimed that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, could help in treating measles. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment, they still advocate for vaccination as the primary defense against the disease.
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center, and Danelle Fisher, another pediatrician at the same center, had valuable insights to share on the matter.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Fisher, one of the experts consulted, explained that vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune system functioning. It is found in various common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. She, like the two other experts, stated that vitamin A provides no protective benefits against measles as a preventive measure. However, during the course of the disease, vitamin A deficiency can worsen symptoms.
Gandhi suggested that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, was considered "supportive care." A Cochrane review demonstrated that two doses of Vitamin A should be administered to children with severe measles, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for both adults and children with measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. lauded the medications budesonide and clarithromycin, there has been concern over promoting unproven benefits for treating viral infections like measles.
Ganijan, another expert, stated that there is no evidence supporting the regular use of budesonide in measles treatment. While a recent study found no harm from steroid use in measles, it is not considered standard of care for routine use in measles management. Further research may be needed to clarify budesonide's role in measles management, if any.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganijan noted that antibiotics are generally not effective against viral infections unless secondary bacterial infections occur. As such, clarithromycin should not be used for measles itself but only if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
The CDC currently suggests that people with measles are contagious from the appearance of the measles rash, so isolation is recommended for four days. Fisher emphasized that vaccination is the sole effective means of preventative action against measles. In regions where outbreaks occur (e.g., West Texas and New Mexico), it's vital for unvaccinated individuals, particularly children, to receive the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure of your vaccine status, consult your doctor.
Vitamin A is used only when a patient already has measles, and not as a preventive measure. As such, there is no reason to take vitamin A to prevent measles. The best line of defense remains vaccination.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that vitamin A, available in supplements such as cod liver oil, could potentially helps in treating measles, but they still prioritize vaccination as the primary defense against the disease.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, suggests that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered "supportive care" during the course of measles, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for both adults and children with measles.
- Danelle Fisher, another expert, explains that while vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune system functioning, it provides no protective benefits against measles as a preventive measure.
- In recent remarks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, could help in treating measles. However, during the course of the disease, vitamin A deficiency can worsen symptoms.
- Health officials have warned travelers to exercise caution due to the significant increase in measles cases in 30 states, with West Texas and New Mexico being the epicenter of these outbreaks.
- After Kennedy Jr. lauded the medications budesonide and clarithromycin, there has been concern over promoting unproven benefits for treating viral infections like measles.
- Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, states that there is no evidence supporting the regular use of budesonide in measles treatment, and while a recent study found no harm from steroid use in measles, it is not considered standard of care for routine use in measles management.
- The CDC currently recommends isolation for people with measles, as they are contagious from the appearance of the measles rash, and vaccination is the sole effective means of preventative action against measles, especially in regions where outbreaks occur.
