Vitamin A to treat measles: What to know about benefits and risks
As measles cases continue to rise in various states across the U.S., the focus on treatment and prevention is more crucial than ever. With many of the infected individuals being unvaccinated school-aged children, health agencies are emphasizing the importance of receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to protect against the disease.
In a recent op-ed on Fox News Digital, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary RFK Jr. expressed his deep concern about the escalating measles outbreak. While there is currently no approved antiviral treatment for measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended the administration of vitamin A under physician supervision as part of supportive care.
Research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology has shown that vitamin A, when combined with the measles vaccine, can be an effective intervention in reducing measles mortality in children. RFK stressed the importance of maintaining good nutrition and consuming various vitamins, including A, B12, C, D, and E, as a defense against chronic and infectious illnesses.
While vitamin A can help reduce the severity of measles symptoms and mortality in individuals who are vitamin A deficient, it is not a preventive measure against the disease. Dr. Neil Maniar, a professor of public health practice at Northeastern University, reiterated that the two-dose MMR vaccine remains the safest and most effective method to prevent measles.
The CDC recommends daily doses of vitamin A at specific levels based on age, with higher doses for children who are older. However, it is crucial to note that vitamin A can be harmful in high doses, and should only be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional to prevent toxicity.
Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlighted the importance of addressing vitamin A deficiency in developing countries where measles mortality is more prevalent. While vitamin A supplementation has shown benefits in reducing measles mortality in resource-limited settings, it is not a substitute for vaccination.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Saahir Khan from Keck Medicine of USC echoed the sentiment that vitamin A supplementation is not a direct treatment for measles, but can benefit children with underlying deficiencies. However, controlled studies do not support the use of vitamin A as a preventive measure against measles in resource-rich settings like the U.S.
It is essential to work collaboratively with communities to educate individuals and families about the significance of the MMR vaccine and ensure accessibility to those in need. While vitamin A supplementation can be beneficial in specific cases, the MMR vaccine remains the most powerful tool in preventing and controlling measles outbreaks.
In conclusion, while vitamin A supplementation can play a supportive role in measles treatment, it is not a replacement for vaccination. It is crucial to follow CDC guidelines and consult with healthcare professionals for proper guidance on preventive measures and treatment options for measles.
