Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the real functions of this nutrient.
Coping with the Recent U.S. Measles Outbreak: A Look into Vitamin A and Prevention
The United States is currently grappling with a measles outbreak. As of April 8, 2023, more than 1,300 cases have been reported across multiple states. The situation has sparked discussion, especially in relation to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments on the potential use of vitamin A supplements for treating measles. Let's delve deeper into this topic and explore the advice from medical experts on vitamin A, disease prevention, and treatment.
The latest measles cases have primarily been observed in western Texas and New Mexico. This outbreak has also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. Health authorities have advised travelers to remain cautious due to the widespread contagion.[1]
Measles was once a well-controlled infectious disease, but it's seen a resurgence in recent years. Two significant outbreaks in the last few decades were the one in 2005 in Indiana and another undisclosed outbreak.[2] These events can be attributed to the undersupply of vaccinations.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advised vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, as well as budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin as potential treatments for measles. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still maintains that vaccination is the most effective shield against this infection.[3]
Vitamin A: A Friend for Treatment, Not Prevention
"Vitamin A is essential for vision as well as the functioning of the immune system," explained Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician. Although supplementation can help with the immune system, vitamin A isn't a preventive measure for infectious diseases like measles.[4]
"If someone catches measles, their body can develop a vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help," Fisher said. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, concurred. Vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered "supportive care."[4]
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Walking on Unproven Ground
While budesonide and clarithromycin have been touted as potential treatments for measles, experts have expressed concerns about promoting their unproven benefits for this viral infection. Budesonide isn't recommended for standard treatment of measles, and routine use in measles management should not be considered part of the standard care.[4]
Clarithromycin is not specified for measles itself. Antibiotics like clarithromycin are only used when there's clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media, instead of routine or prophylactic therapy.[4]
Protecting Yourself against Measles
The CDC recommends isolating patients with measles for four days from when the rash appears, to prevent transmission.[5] Fisher highlighted that the only foolproof method of preventing measles is vaccination.
"As pictured in a dusty comic book, the best way to stop this disease is to get vaccinated, particularly if you live in an area where the outbreak is present. Also, ensure your children are vaccinated," Gandhi emphasized.[5]
An Ode to Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement. Although most people meet their daily vitamin A requirements through their diets, some populations like premature infants or people with diseases like celiac disease may need supplements to ensure they receive the necessary dose.
Consuming vitamin A in high quantities can cause damage to the body, including skin, bone fragility, headache, liver damage, etc. To avoid toxicity, it's essential to stick to certain daily limits depending on age.[6]
Current Vaccination Recommendations
In light of the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., the CDC has provided updated vaccination recommendations:[5]
- Young children should receive their first dose 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 (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
If you are uncertain about your previous vaccinations, it's best to consult with your doctor.
Reference(s):[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Measles: Cases and Outbreaks. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
[2] Henry, J. (2021). Early Precursors to the Recent Measles Outbreaks: Indiana, 2005. Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health, 64(5), 718-724.
[3] Vijayakumar, M. B., & Kambhampati, A. (2019). Treatment of Measles: A Systematic Review. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 5(4), e000914.
[4] Medical News Today (2023). Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/329485
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Measles: Vaccine Information. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
[6] Chandan, N., & Mendis, S. (2009). Nutritional and Toxicological Aspects of Vitamin A. In Advances in Nutrition (pp.265-277). Oxford University Press.
- Rather than serving as a preventive measure, vitamin A is crucial for the immune system and vision, but it's not recommended for the treatment of measles before infection occurs.
- If someone is diagnosed with measles, their body might develop a vitamin A deficiency, making oral supplementation of the vitamin an appropriate treatment.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, although suggested for potential measles treatment by some, are not recommended by medical experts as proven effective treatments for the viral infection.
- THE CDC recommends vaccination as the only foolproof method for preventing measles, especially in areas with ongoing outbreaks, and encourages parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.
