Measles prevention and Vitamin A's true functions: Experts clarify the misconceptions.
In the U.S., a resurgence of measles cases has alarmingly risen, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across multiple states. The surge has prompted interest in alternative treatments, such as vitamin A supplements, following comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Measles has made a comeback in various states, notoriously in western Texas and New Mexico, but also California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise vigilance.
Historically, measles has been largely controlled, save for a few notable outbreaks in the past few decades. One such instance was the Indiana outbreak of 2005, fueled by undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have shown positive results in aiding the treatment of measles.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, they still recommend vaccination as the most efficient measure against the viral infection.
To delve into the misleading claims, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist from the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher, both board certified at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Does vitamin A offer protection against measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin integral to vision and immune functions. Commonly found in foods such as eggs, cheese, milk, fish, and various vegetables, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the immune system."
All experts agreed that vitamin A provided no protective benefits as a preventive measure. However, deficiencies in vitamin A can worsen symptoms of measles, making treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A beneficial in certain cases.
"Although vitamin A improves the immune system, it does not help prevent infectious diseases like measles," Fisher said. "Yet, when someone contracts the measles virus, their body can develop a vitamin A deficiency. Treating them with two doses of vitamin A can help alleviate symptoms."
Ganijan added that vitamin A supplementation for children was considered supportive care in the case of severe measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. championed two medications – the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin – for measles treatment, some experts have expressed concerns about promoting the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids in standard treatment for measles." Ganijan noted, pointing out that a recent study had found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles but not confirming clear benefits.
Ganijan also emphasized that antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used for confirmed bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or otitis media, not measles itself.
Steps to protect yourself against measles
Isolating patients with measles from others for four days is recommended by the CDC to prevent transmission.
Fisher underscored the importance of vaccination as the only valid preventative measure against measles.
"Vitamin A is used to alleviate symptoms in those who already have measles, not as a preventive measure. So, there's no reason to take vitamin A to prevent measles," Gandhi said.
"If you're in an outbreak area, such as West Texas or New Mexico, get vaccinated, even if you're an adult who hasn't been vaccinated before. Children should also get vaccinated, as severe cases of measles are more common in young ones," she added.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Safe Usage
Cod liver oil, which contains vitamins A, D, and fatty acids, is a complex supplement that may have drawbacks when consumed in excessive amounts.
While people typically meet their daily requirements for vitamin A through their diets, some individuals may require supplementation to reach their daily allowance.
"High doses of vitamin A can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, liver damage, among others," Gandhi warned.
It's essential for individuals taking vitamin A supplements to avoid exceeding recommended daily amounts, according to both Gandhi and Fisher.
"Excessive intake of vitamin A, either through diet or supplementation, can exceed safe levels, leading to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, rashes, blurred vision, and other complications," Fisher added.
Current vaccination guidelines
Health authorities recommend that young children receive their first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12-15 months, followed by a second dose at 4-6 years. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
If you're unsure about your immunity status, consult your doctor. The benefits of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles significantly outweigh any supposed benefits from vitamin A, cod liver oil, budesonide, or clarithromycin.
- In the U.S., some individuals express interest in alternative treatments for measles, such as vitamin A supplements with cod liver oil.
- Measles patients who experience deficiencies in vitamin A can benefit from two oral doses of the vitamin to help alleviate symptoms.
- Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement with potential drawbacks when consumed in excessive amounts.
- High doses of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, and liver damage.
- To avoid potential harm from vitamin A supplements, individuals should not exceed the recommended daily amounts.
- Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, rashes, and other complications.
- Infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi emphasizes vaccination as the only valid preventative measure against measles.
- Seconding this, pediatrician Danelle Fisher underlines the importance of vaccination for children and adults alike, especially in outbreak areas like West Texas and New Mexico.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges travelers to exercise vigilance due to the resurgence of measles cases.
- In addition to health and wellness concerns, current events such as the resurgence of measles have sparked discussions on politics, general news, crime and justice, education and self-development, personal growth, and career development.
