Measles prevention isn't guaranteed with Vitamin A. Healthcare professionals clarify its actual functions.
America's Measles Outbreak: Is Vitamin A the Answer?
Let's break down the myths and facts about vitamin A supplements and measles.
Currently, the United States is grappling with an increasing number of measles cases, with over a thousand in 30 different states. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus, but the outbreak refuses to slow down, causing concern among both the public and health officials.
The most affected areas include western Texas and New Mexico, although measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings for travelers, urging them to remain vigilant.
While measles used to be a well-controlled infectious disease in the U.S., two major outbreaks occurred in the last few decades, primarily due to undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested vitamin A supplements, found in substances like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, could potentially help treat or prevent measles.
Although the CDC acknowledges the potential benefits of vitamin A as a possible preventive measure, they still view vaccination as the most effective line of defense against measles.
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Danelle Fisher, and Daniel Ganjian, both pediatricians at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, shed light on some common questions surrounding vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention measures.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune system functions, is found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, and green and orange vegetables. Although it plays a role in the immune system, it does not offer protection against viral diseases such as measles. However, during a measles infection, the body may experience a vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.
In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help children and adults alleviate some symptoms. In children under two, especially those with severe measles, this treatment is recommended by both the World Health Organization and major guidelines.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
While budesonide and clarithromycin may show some promise in treating viral infections, there is no solid medical evidence to support the use of these medications in the treatment of measles. The CDC maintains that the standard of care is vaccination.
Although a recent study has indicated no harm from the use of steroids like budesonide in measles, there is no clear indication for their regular use in the management of measles. As for clarithromycin, antibiotics like this one are typically saved for treating secondary bacterial infections and are not recommended as preventive or routine therapy for viral infections like measles.
How to protect yourself against measles
Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing the spread and occurrence of measles. Travelers, especially in areas that are experiencing the outbreak, are advised to get vaccinated. If you cannot recall your vaccination history or if your children are not vaccinated, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider.
Individuals with measles are contagious from the appearance of the rash until four days after. Therefore, it is essential to isolate for this period to prevent transmission.
Vitamin A, cod liver oil, and dietary considerations
Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a complex supplement. Vitamin A, like cod liver oil, can be found in various foods. It's important to be mindful of your daily intake, as consuming too much can result in toxicity and cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, skin and bone damage, headache, and liver damage.
The recommended daily vitamin A intake varies among age groups. Babies and children generally require less than adults, with women taking 700 mcg daily. Certain populations, such as premature infants, people with celiac disease, or Crohn's disease, may require supplements to meet their daily vitamin A needs.
- Vitamin A, abundant in foods like fish, eggs, and green vegetables, is vital for vision and immune system functions, but it does not guard against viral diseases like measles.
- Even though the body may experience a vitamin A deficiency during a measles infection, worsening symptoms, additional treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A benefits children and adults.
- Other substances like budesonide and clarithromycin, while showing potential for treating viral infections, have no conclusive evidence to support their use in measles treatment, as vaccination remains the CDC's standard of care.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself and others against measles, crucial for travelers, especially in areas currently experiencing outbreaks, and essential to consult a healthcare provider if past vaccination history is unclear or children remain unvaccinated.
- Affected individuals with measles are contagious between the appearance of the rash and four days afterward, necessitating isolation during this period to prevent transmission.
- Cod liver oil, a complex supplement containing vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed with moderation, as an overconsumption can lead to toxicity and adverse health conditions like nausea, diarrhea, and liver damage.
