Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; Experts elucidate the true functions of this supplement.
In the recent US landscape, measles cases have surged, surpassing the 1,000 mark across multiple states and resulting in tragic deaths. The epicenter appears to be predominantly western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases in California, New York, Maryland, and so on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories to be vigilant.
Responding to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment for measles, many have questioned the efficacy of this approach. Some propose vitamin A supplements such as cod liver oil, the steroid budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin as beneficial for managing the disease.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a possible treatment for measles, the agency continues to advocate for vaccination as "the most effective" defense against the virus.
Three medical and public health experts shared their insights with Medical News Today to address common questions about vitamin A supplementation for measles and practical measures for preventing the disease's spread.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, an essential fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables, plays a crucial role in maintaining vision and immune system function. Although it aids the immune system, the experts agreed that vitamin A does not offer protection against infectious diseases such as measles.
In the case of a measles infection, the body can become vitamin A deficient, making the disease's symptoms more severe. In this scenario, treating the deficiency with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s praise for the medications budesonide and clarithromycin in treating measles, skepticism has been expressed about their unproven benefits for treating a viral infection.
According to the experts, neither steroids like budesonide nor antibiotics like clarithromycin are standard treatments for measles. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, it does not indicate their regular use in measles management. Clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media, is necessary for antibiotic use.
How to protect yourself against measles
Individuals contagious during the measles rash's appearance should isolate for four days.
Experts agree that vaccination offers the only protection against measles, with people in outbreak areas like West Texas, New Mexico, and unvaccinated older children, teens, and adults needing one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
It's crucial for those unsure about their vaccination status to consult their doctors.
Vitamin A, cod liver oil: What to know
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement. While most people should meet recommended daily vitamin A intake through their diets, certain populations, such as premature infants or those with digestive conditions, may require supplements.
Exceeding recommended daily limits of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, resulting in symptoms like skin and bone fragility, headache, and liver damage.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
Young children should receive their first MMR dose at ages 12-15 months, with a second dose at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses, each at least 28 days apart if needed. If unsure about your vaccination history, consult your doctor for guidance.
- Vitamin A, which is found in foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, and green and orange vegetables, plays a crucial role in maintaining vision and immune system function, but it does not offer protection against infectious diseases like measles.
- In the case of a measles infection, the body can become vitamin A deficient, making the disease's symptoms more severe. In this scenario, treating the deficiency with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help.
- Neither steroids like budesonide nor antibiotics like clarithromycin are standard treatments for measles, as clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media, is necessary for antibiotic use.
- According to the experts, individuals contagious during the measles rash's appearance should isolate for four days, and the only protection against measles is vaccination, with people in outbreak areas like West Texas, New Mexico, and unvaccinated older children, teens, and adults needing one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
