Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the functions of this nutrient.
Unprecedented Measles Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple U.S. States
Nationwide, Measles cases have exploded, culminating in over one thousand confirmed cases across thirty states. This new surge in measles outbreaks has led to three reported deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recent outbreaks have primarily been concentrated in Western Texas and New Mexico, with additional confirmed cases in California, New York, Maryland, and numerous other states.
Historically considered a well-controlled infectious disease, the United States has endured two significant measles outbreaks in recent decades, which were attributable to undervaccination.
Stirring controversy, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently mentioned the potential benefits of vitamin A supplements – such as cod liver oil, steroid budesonide, and antibiotic clarithromycin – in treating measles. While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential means of mitigating measles complications, they continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective measure of protection.
To shed light on this topic, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts to answer common questions surrounding vitamin A supplements for measles and suggestions for disease prevention.
The Role of Vitamin A in Measles
Although vitamin A is vital for vision and the functioning of the immune system, all three experts concurred that vitamin A offers no preventative benefits against measles. Nonetheless, measles can exacerbate a deficiency in vitamin A, making symptoms more severe.
In such instances, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be advantageous, according to the experts. However, it is important to note that vitamin A supplements should not be consumed proactively, especially in resource-rich nations like the United States, where the population generally meets their daily requirements through diet.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Kennedy Jr.'s praises for budesonide and clarithromycin to treat two cases of measles have drawn concern from many experts regarding the promotion of unsubstantiated benefits for these medications in the treatment of a viral infection.
While there is no valid scientific evidence to support the use of either budesonide or clarithromycin for treating measles, recent research indicated that steroid use in measles cases exhibited no evidence of harm. Nevertheless, there is no definitive indication for routine steroid use in measles management, and their use should not be considered standard procedure.
Similarly, antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections rather than viral infections like measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
The CDC recommends individuals who develop a measles rash to remain in isolation for four days before and four days after the rash appears to prevent transmission of the virus.
According to the CDC, vaccination is the only proven means of preventing measles – particularly for individuals living in areas where outbreaks are occurring. Moreover, children should be vaccinated, as young patients can suffer severe cases of measles.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Know the Risks
Given that cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, it is crucial to be mindful of the supplement's potential toxicity.
While most people consume sufficient daily vitamin A through diet, those who require vitamin A supplements to meet their daily dose are advised to do so responsibly to avoid vitamin A toxicity and its associated symptoms such as skin and bone damage, headaches, liver damage, and more.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
In response to the escalating measles outbreak, health authorities advise young children to receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
Older children, teens, and adults who have yet to receive the MMR vaccine should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage and schedule for the vaccination – ideally with one to two doses at least 28 days apart.
Sources:[1] https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240091628[2] https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html[3] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6609e2.htm[4] https://www.who.int/immunization/documents/discussions/a29_1_1.pdf[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473309916303762
Image Source: Measles Virus (CDC)
- The CDC states that vitamin A might help mitigate complications from measles, although it provides no preventative benefits against the disease.
- In resource-rich nations like the United States, consuming vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, is not necessary as the population generally meets their daily requirements through diet.
- Steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin have no scientifically validated benefits for treating measles, despite claims made by some individuals.
- To protect oneself against measles, the CDC advises individuals who develop a measles rash to isolate themselves for eight days, and vaccination is the only proven means of prevention, particularly for children.
- It's essential to be mindful of cod liver oil's potential toxicity, as it contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, and those who require supplements should do so responsibly to avoid toxicity-related symptoms.
- Health authorities recommend young children receive their first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and older children, teens, and adults who haven't been vaccinated should consult with their healthcare providers for appropriate dosage and schedule.
