Measles resurgence: Experts warn against spread of vitamin A misinformation

In 2000, the WHO declared measles eradicated in the US due to vaccination efforts. However, the viral disease is resurging globally, and experts warn that misinformation on the efficacy of vitamins, specifically vitamin A, as a prophylaxis or cure for the disease may hamper further containment endeavors and endanger public health.

Moreover, in West Texas, an area that has seen the highest concentration of cases in the US, health experts and doctors reveal that several measles patients, mainly children, are showing signs of vitamin A toxicity — a condition that can cause symptoms ranging from dry skin and eyes, blurred vision, brittle bones, and skin irritation to liver damage and other severe health problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Nutrition Insight explores the safe consumption of vitamin A and its ability to aid in the treatment of the infectious disease.

“Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe health complications,” says Andrea Wong, Ph.D., the SVP of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). “Treatment and care for measles should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.”

At the same time, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that, though there is some evidence that vitamin A may reduce the mortality rates of measles, many of these studies were conducted in areas where vitamin A deficiency was common and may not be applicable to areas where the deficiency is not common.

Combating the disease

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, one in five people who get measles in the US will be hospitalized and anywhere from one to three of every 1,000 patients will die from the disease.

CRN highlights that though vitamin A is essential for several key body functions, ingesting too much can cause serious health problems.As of March 20, the Center for Disease Control reports 378 cases nationwide, including 64 hospitalizations and two deaths. Additionally, 95% of patients were unvaccinated, while 3% had one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and 2% had two doses.

The CRN reveals that a major concern is the administration of high doses of vitamin A in children as an attempt to prevent the disease or reduce symptoms. The council highlights that while vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, reproduction, and immune health, it should not replace vaccination. Although it supports immune function, research has not proven it can prevent measles infection.

In a recent editorial to Fox News, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, stated that: “vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”

Kennedy preceded the statement by emphasizing that the decision to get vaccinations is a “personal one.”

Experts have pointed out that Kennedy seemed to contradict his own statements when days later he told Fox News that vitamin A could work “as a prophylaxis” against measles. He has also asserted that adverse reactions to the vaccine are underreported and stated that “good nutrition remains the best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses.”

Safe use of vitamin A

CRN highlights that the tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg per day for adults and significantly lower for children based on age. CRN advises consumers to stay within these limits unless a healthcare provider recommends otherwise.

Experts maintain that vaccinations are the best way to prevent the spread of measles and reduce the risk to public and individual health.The council emphasizes that vitamin A can be used to treat measles in infected individuals, especially children with vitamin A deficiency, to reduce severity and complications. However, it points out that this is a short-term medical intervention, not a preventive measure, and should only be given under medical supervision.

“Consumers must make informed decisions and consult qualified health professionals before giving supplements to children — especially in large doses,” explains Wong. “Vitamin A is important for health, but more is not always better.”

“Parents should rely on medically approved preventive measures, such as vaccination, to protect their children against measles.”

CRN states that it advocates for responsible dietary supplement use for overall health and wellness but emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and illnesses.

In a recent statement to Healthy Children, an online magazine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric infectious disease specialist and member of the Academy’s Committee on Infectious Diseases, Dr. James Campbell, affirms that there is no good evidence that vitamin A has any effect on the outcome or spread of the disease.

“The best way to protect your family is by choosing to have your child immunized against measles,” Campbell concludes.