Measles isn't prevented by Vitamin A. Here's what this nutrient really accomplishes according to experts.
Let's break down the measles situation in the states and discuss vitamin A, a potential aid in combating this virus.
Measles cases are on the rise in the US, reaching over 1,000 cases across multiple states as of late. The centers of these outbreaks can be found primarily in western Texas and New Mexico, but cases have also been reported in California, New York, and Maryland among others. Travelers have been warned to remain cautious due to the spread.
Over recent years, measles, once a well-controlled infectious disease, has seen a resurgence—there have been two significant outbreaks, mainly triggered by undervaccination, in the last two decades. One notable example happened in 2005, known as the Indiana outbreak.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has expressed his belief that vitamin A, as found in supplements like cod liver oil, steroids such as budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin have shown "positive results" in battling measles.
Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, they still strongly advise vaccination as the most effective protection against the virus.
To unravel the question of vitamin A's role, we turned to three medical and public health experts: an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians—Monica Gandhi, and Danelle Fisher, from the University of California, San Francisco, and Daniel Ganjian, from Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, helps with vision and the functioning of the immune system. It is readily available through common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, and green vegetables.
All three experts emphasize that while vitamin A enhances the immune system, it doesn't shield against viral diseases like measles. However, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.
"Vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered supportive care," Gandhi explained. "It is true that severe Vitamin A deficiency did lead to more severe outcomes with measles in the past."
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Though Kennedy Jr. has endorsed the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for two children with measles, experts have urged caution about promoting unproven benefits for these medications for treating a viral infection.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles," said Ganijan. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles cases, routine use is not recommended due to a lack of clear indication for their use in managing the disease.
In terms of clarithromycin, antibiotics like this are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protecting yourself against measles
Individuals who have developed the measles rash should isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent further transmission as recommended by major guidelines.
However, the experts emphasize that the only effective line of defense against measles is vaccination, stating that vitamin A has no place as a preventative measure.
Fisher reiterated, "People in areas where outbreaks are occurring, such as West Texas and New Mexico, should get vaccinated, especially if they haven't been vaccinated before. Even children can experience severe cases of measles, so it's crucial for children also to be vaccinated."
The toxic side of vitamins
Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, can be a much more complex supplement. Although most people meet their daily vitamin A requirements through diet, some may require supplements.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin A depends on age, with babies and children requiring less than adults. Pregnant women, premature infants, and individuals with diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease may require special attention when it comes to vitamin A intake.
However, consuming high levels of vitamin A can trigger adverse effects such as skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and other symptoms.
In conclusion, while vitamin A can help manage severe cases of measles and lessen symptoms, it does not prevent the virus and can be potentially harmful if improperly dosed.
As always, consult with your healthcare provider for accurate and personalized advice on vitamin A dosage, especially when dealing with a virus like measles. The CDC stresses the importance of vaccination as the most effective means of preventing the measles virus.
- Vitamin A, found in food sources like fish, eggs, and green vegetables, plays a role in vision and immune system function.
- Despite its immune-enhancing properties, vitamin A does not protect against viral diseases such as measles.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, while endorsed by some for treating measles, do not have substantial scientific evidence supporting their use as standard treatments for the virus.
- The only effective way to protect against measles is through vaccination, as emphasized by medical and public health experts.
- Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, can be a complex supplement, and excessive vitamin A intake may lead to adverse effects like skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and other symptoms.
