Measles remains unaffected by Vitamin A; experts clarify its real functions.
Exploring the Myths Surrounding Vitamin A and Measles:
The recent surge in measles cases across the United States has led to a flurry of speculation concerning vitamin A supplements, particularly after comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Western Texas and New Mexico have been hit hard by the outbreak, but measles cases have also emerged in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. In response, many have turned to vitamin A to fighting off the virus.
To address the queries surrounding this matter, Medical News Today talked to three medical and public health experts to demystify the claim that vitamin A can prevent or treat measles.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a vital nutrient for vision and immune function, might help those battling measles, but it does not prevent the illness.
Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, explained, "Vitamin A is found in many common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. While it does help the immune system, vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like measles."
Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasized, "When someone has the measles virus, their body can have a vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful."
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
The steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have been suggested for treating measles, but the scientific consensus remains uncertain.
Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician, said, "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. As for clarithromycin, antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles."
How to protect yourself against measles
The CDC recommends that people at risk isolate themselves for four days when a measles rash appears. Vaccination remains the most definitive method to ensure protection against the highly contagious virus.
Danelle Fisher added, "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles. [If] you haven't been vaccinated before, get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles."
In the U.S., health authorities suggest young children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
Enrichment Data:
The scientific evidence regarding the use of vitamin A supplements, cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin for preventing or treating measles is as follows:
Vitamin A Supplements
Prevention: Vitamin A does not prevent measles. In cases of measles, vitamin A supplementation - particularly in deficient individuals - may help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Cod Liver Oil
Prevention: Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, does not prevent measles. It is not recommended as a preventive measure against the disease.
Budesonide
There is currently no substantial evidence supporting the use of budesonide as a first-line treatment for measles.
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin should only be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection associated with measles.
- Vitamin A, found in foods like fish, cheese, and green vegetables, can help those with measles, but it doesn't prevent the illness.
- In cases of measles, a vitamin A deficiency can occur, and treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial.
- There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles.
- Clarithromycin antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections and not viral infections like measles.
- For protection against measles, the CDC recommends isolation for four days when a measles rash appears, and vaccination is the most definitive method.
- The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, and children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Science currently does not support the use of cod liver oil for preventing or treating measles.
