Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A: Experts clarify its true functions.
Fresh Take on Measles Outbreak and Vitamin A Supplements
Contagion concerns are growing as measles cases surge in the US, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states.
The western regions of Texas and New Mexico bear the brunt of this outbreak, but trace cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other parts of the country. The CDC warns travelers to exercise caution and be vigilant.
Once a disease well under control, recent surges in the US, including the and the 2005 Indiana outbreak, are largely attributed to under-vaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has sparked interest in vitamin A supplements, suggesting they may aid in the treatment or prevention of measles.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, vaccination remains the primary means of protection.
To address questions about vitamin A supplements, measures to prevent the spread of measles, and the efficacy of other treatments, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Addressing Measles and Vitamin A
Distinct from its role in vision and immune function, vitamin A does little to protect against infectious diseases like measles. People who contract measles may experience a vitamin A deficiency as a result, but supplementation doesn’t prevent the disease.
"In such cases, treatment with two doses of Vitamin A can help alleviate some symptoms," says Danelle Fisher.
Questionable Benefits of Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Touting the unproven benefits of medications like the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin for measles treatment has sparked concern among experts.
There's no evidence to support the routine use of budesonide or other steroids in measles management. Clarithromycin's role is limited to treating bacterial infections and not measles itself.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
Vaccination is the most effective defense against measles, particularly for those in affected areas. The CDC recommends young children receive their first dose between 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years old.
Adults and older children not previously vaccinated should speak to their doctors about receiving one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
Patients with measles should self-isolate for four days before and after the onset of the measles rash to prevent further spread.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Safety
Cod liver oil offers a mix of vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids. Though most individuals meet their daily vitamin A requirements through their diet, some may require supplements.
Excessive consumption of vitamin A can cause health issues, damaging skin, bones, and even causing liver damage. Be mindful of daily limits, especially when supplementing, and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
Vaccination Recommendations
In response to the growing measles outbreak, health authorities in the U.S. recommend early vaccination for young children, with additional boosters for older individuals. If you are unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor for advice.
- Despite the resurgence of measles in the US, the CDC emphasizes that vaccination remains the primary means of protection against the disease.
- Measles cases have surged in 30 states across the country, with the western regions of Texas and New Mexico being particularly hard-hit.
- In relation to measles, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that vitamin A supplements might aid in treatment or prevention, but the CDC lists it as a potential treatment rather than a prevention method.
- In response to the outbreak, health authorities in the US are recommending early vaccination for young children, while adults and older children not previously vaccinated should consult their doctors.
- Patients with measles should self-isolate for four days before and after the onset of the measles rash to prevent further spread.
- Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, may be necessary for some individuals who don't meet their daily requirements through food alone.
- Danelle Fisher, one of the experts consulted by Medical News Today, stated that treatment with two doses of vitamin A can help alleviate some symptoms in people who contract measles and may experience a deficiency as a result.
- Touting the unproven benefits of medications like the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin for measles treatment has raised concerns among experts, as there's no evidence to support their routine use in measles management.
- Clarithromycin's role is limited to treating bacterial infections and not measles itself.
- According to the experts consulted by Medical News Today, vitamin A does little to protect against infectious diseases like measles. People who contract measles may experience a deficiency as a result, but supplementation doesn't prevent the disease.
- Addressing questions about vitamin A supplements, measures to prevent the spread of measles, and the efficacy of other treatments, Medical News Today spoke to three experts in the field: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians from Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
