Measles remains unchecked by Vitamin A supplements; specialists clarify its true functions.
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The land of the free is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with 30 U.S. states reporting cases as of May 15, 2025, resulting in tragic fatalities. The outbreak has mainly affected areas like western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases identified in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges vigilance in light of the epidemic.
In recent times, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has promoted vitamin A supplements, specifically cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin, claiming they offer relief for those afflicted with measles. However, the CDC continues to advocate for vaccination as the most effective preventive measure against this highly contagious illness.
To gain more insights into the matter, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
The Role of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that contributes to both vision and the functionality of the immune system. It can be found in a variety of common foods, such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and colorful vegetables. While it bolsters the body's immune defenses, it does not provide protection against viral infections like measles.
All three experts agree that vitamin A is not an effective preventive measure. However, measles can lead to vitamin A deficiencies in the body, which can exacerbate symptoms. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: A Cautious Approach
A number of professionals in the field have expressed concerns about the endorsement of unproven benefits for budesonide and clarithromycin for the treatment of measles.
Ganijan emphasizes that there is no evidence backing the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. Moreover, steroid use in measles patients should not be considered standard practice, as there is no clear indication for their use in the disease's management.
Regarding clarithromycin, this antibiotic's primary function is to treat confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Measures for Protection
Individuals diagnosed with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the onset of the rash, as recommended by major guidelines, to prevent transmission. To protect oneself against measles, the CDC strongly advises vaccination, particularly in areas experiencing outbreaks like western Texas, New Mexico, and where preventative measures are crucial. Children should get vaccinated, too, as they are more susceptible to serious complications from the disease.
Vitamin A is not a preventive measure for measles. Instead, ironically, it is employed when someone already has measles. So, there's no reason to take vitamin A to avert measles, as diets in resource-rich countries, like the United States, often provide sufficient vitamin A intake.
Cod Liver Oil Concerns
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and healthy fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Overindulgence in Vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing issues like skin and bone fragility, headaches, and potential liver damage. It's crucial to control vitamin A intake to prevent adverse effects.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and people with certain medical conditions may require vitamin A supplements to ensure they meet their daily needs. If you have concerns about your vitamin A intake, consult with your healthcare provider.
In summary, vaccination is the most effective method for preventing measles. For those afflicted with measles, vitamin A supplementation may be of some benefit in severe cases, but it does not prevent or cure the illness. Neither budesonide nor clarithromycin has an established role in measles prevention or treatment.
- While vitamin A supports vision and the immune system, it does not offer protection against viral infections like measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, states that there is no evidence for the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles.
- Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, highlights that steroid use in measles patients should not be considered a standard practice due to the lack of clear indication for their use in the disease's management.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is primarily used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- Individuals with measles should isolate themselves to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines, and the CDC strongly advises vaccination for protection.
- Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and healthy fatty acids, requires careful control of intake to prevent potential adverse effects.
- Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and people with certain medical conditions may need vitamin A supplements to meet their daily needs.
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