Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify its true functions.
The recent surge in measles cases in the United States has sparked increased interest, particularly in vitamin A supplements. With over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states and the unfortunate loss of three lives, questions about the effectiveness of vitamin A have arisen. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, has mentioned that certain supplements, such as cod liver oil and steroid budesonide, have shown promising results in treating measles. However, it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to preventing and managing this highly contagious disease.
In an effort to demystify the topic, Medical News Today reached out to three medical and public health experts. Here's what they had to say about vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin, and what people can do to protect themselves and their community.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, found in various foods and supplements like cod liver oil, aids in vision and immune system functioning. Although it assists with immune function, it does not offer protection against infectious diseases like measles. According to the experts, vitamin A deficiency can develop during the measles infection, worsening symptoms. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After the praise of these medications by Kennedy Jr., concerns have been raised about promoting unproven benefits for treating measles. To clarify, there is no evidence supporting the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. While research may be necessary to determine its potential role, its use should not be considered standard care. On the other hand, clarithromycin is not recommended for treating measles itself. It is reserved for confirmed bacterial infections.
How to protect yourself against measles
The best defense against measles is vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. For older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated, one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart is recommended. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Isolating those with measles is also crucial. Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before the onset of rash and four days after to prevent transmission.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
While cod liver oil contains vitamin A, it is a complex supplement, and consuming large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity. It's recommended to stick to the daily vitamin A intake guidelines depending on age. In the United States, most diets meet the daily requirements, making supplementation unnecessary. Special populations, such as premature infants and those with diseases interfering with dietary absorption, are the exceptions.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
Responding to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., CDC recommendations for vaccines are as follows: for young children, the first dose is given at ages 12-15 months, and the second at ages 4-6. Older unvaccinated individuals should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Stay informed, protect yourself, and consult your healthcare professional for vaccination recommendations, especially if you're in an area affected by the outbreak.
- The recent surge in measles cases in the United States has led to increased discussion about vitamin A supplements, particularly in relation to their potential role in preventing or treating measles.
- Contrary to some claims, vitamin A found in various foods and supplements does not offer protection against measles.
- However, vitamin A deficiency can develop during the measles infection, worsening symptoms, and in such cases, two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial for treatment.
- Budesonide, praised by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for its potential role in treating measles, is not supported by evidence as a standard treatment for measles.
- Clarithromycin is not recommended for treating measles itself but is reserved for confirmed bacterial infections.
- The most effective defense against measles is vaccination, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Older unvaccinated individuals should also receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart.
- In addition to vaccination, isolating those with measles is crucial to prevent transmission, with patients remaining in isolation for four days before the onset of rash and four days after.
