Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its true functions

Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its true functions

Fresh Take:

The U.S. is grappling with a resurgence of measles cases, reaching over 1,000 reported instances across multiple states. The rise in cases has sparked conversations, including one by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., about the potential benefits of vitamin A supplements in treating or preventing measles. But, what's the real deal?

Let's delve into this, breaking down the commonly asked questions about vitamin A supplements, measures to prevent measles, and what you can do to safeguard yourself and your community. Our chat includes three medical and public health experts – an infectious disease specialist (Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH) and two pediatricians (Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP) from the University of California, San Francisco, and Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

Does Vitamin A Protect Against or Treat Measles?

Vitamin A functions as a vital component for vision and the immune system, found in eggs, cheese, fish, milk, green, and orange vegetables. So, does it offer any protection against infectious diseases like measles?

All three experts share a consensus that while vitamin A does support the immune system, it doesn't prevent diseases like measles. Interestingly, the disease itself can result in vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be useful in this condition.

Monica Gandhi explained, "The Cochrane review showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends it in adults and children with measles."

Are Budesonide and Clarithromycin Effective?

Following comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praising budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, there's been concern about promoting these unproven benefits for a viral infection treatment.

Ganjian said, "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. The use of budesonide should not be considered standard of care."

He added, "Clarithromycin is not recommended for measles itself. Antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia or otitis media, and not as routine or prophylactic therapy."

Measles Prevention: The Key is Vaccination

The CDC recommends people isolated for four days when their measles rash emerges to prevent the spread.

Fisher reiterated, "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially in areas where the outbreak is occurring (West Texas, New Mexico). If you haven't been vaccinated before, it's essential to get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles."

In a nutshell, vitamin A can help manage measles complications but cannot serve as a preventive measure. Therefore, there's no reason to consider taking Vitamin A to prevent measles in this era. The only definite method to protect yourself is vaccination.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870923/[2] https://www.who.int/immunization/topics/moms/measles/en/[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2944328/[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061807/[5] https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/meas-chpt.pdf

1. Vitamin A, a crucial element for vision and the immune system, can be found in food like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and certain vegetables.
2. While vitamin A supports the immune system, it does not prevent diseases like measles.
3. Instead, measles itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, potentially worsening symptoms.
4. In severe cases of measles, two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial in managing the condition.
5. The Cochrane review and World Health Organization support this treatment.
6. Budesonide, a steroid, is not a standard treatment for measles and should not be used as such.
7. There is no evidence to support the use of clarithromycin for treating measles.
8. Antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be used if there is evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
9. The CDC recommends isolating individuals for four days from the emergence of their measles rash to prevent spread.
10. The best method to prevent measles is vaccination, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
11. It's essential for both adults and children to get vaccinated, especially during measles outbreaks.
12. Children can experience severe cases of measles, making their vaccination even more crucial.
13. In the context of the measles resurgence, discussions about supplements like Vitamin A have emerged.
14. Discussing and understanding these supplements, their benefits, and their limitations can contribute to making informed decisions about health.
15. This conversation extends beyond measles, touching on various aspects of health and wellness, such as personal growth, mental health, and nutrition.
16. Additionally, understanding the impact of biotechnology, data and cloud computing, personal finance, investing, and business on health and lifestyle can provide a holistic approach to safeguarding individual and community health.

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