Vitamin A, Budesonide, and Clarithromycin: Myth or Medicine for Measles?
Measles is not prevented by Vitamin A. Medical professionals clarify Vitamin A's actual functions.
Let's take a no-holds-barred look at the recent hype surrounding these substances as potential treatments for measles.
Can vitamin A save you from measles?
Not if you're hoping for a miracle preventive! Vitamin A, found abundantly in foods like eggs, cheese, and orange veggies, may not be your measles shield, but it might play a role post-infection.
When your body is battling measles, it can deplete vitamin A stores. Supplementation, particularly for kiddos, can offer some supportive care. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an epidemiologist at University of California, San Francisco, refers to this as "supportive care." But keep in mind, vitamin A doesn't protect against measles.
What about Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
Recent claims by high-profile figures extolling the benefits of steroid Budesonide and antibiotic Clarithromycin for measles have spurred skepticism.
While these medications might have some roles in specific health conditions, there's no scientific evidence supporting their use as measles treatments. Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, warns against their casual endorsement for this viral infection.
Want to dodge measles? Here's your game plan:
Quarantine Queen: Stay Away from the Rash
Got measles? Stay far away from others until six days after the rash appears. Experts recommend separating infected patients from four days before to four days after the rash emerges to prevent the spread[2].
Vaxxed and Relaxed: The Power of Prevention
Prevention is the name of the game for measles. The only effective method? Vaccination!
If you're in an area with an outbreak, get vaccinated, and encourage your little ones to join you[2]. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, consult with your doctor.
For all the newbies, the CDC recommends the measles vaccine at ages 12-15 months, and again at ages 4-6. Older kids, teens, and adults need a catch-up, each dose at least 28 days apart[3].
Butt out of my supplements: A word on Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil: a mix of vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. While some believe it's a miracle elixir, experts caution that consuming too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, among other issues[4].
Given most people meet their daily vitamin A requirements through their diet, supplementation isn't necessary for most. But, specific populations, like premature infants or those with malabsorption disorders, may require supplementation[4].
The bottom line
Vaccination is the best defense against measles. If you find yourself infected, supportive care, like vitamin A, may help, but it's no substitute for prevention. And always remember: moderation is key when supplementing with vitamins A or cod liver oil.
[1] - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Measles (Rubeola). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html[2] - Medial News Today. (2023). Are Vitamins A, Cod Liver Oil, Budenoside, or Clarithromycin Beneficial for Measles Prevention or Treatment?. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-vitamin-a-or-cod-liver-oil-beneficial-for-measles-prevention-or-treatment[3] - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). (2023). Measles. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/measles[4] - World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Vitamin A. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/vitamina/en/[5] - World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Measles. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/measles
- During a measles infection, the body can deplete vitamin A stores, and supplementation, especially for children, may offer some supportive care, as referred to by Dr. Monica Gandhi. However, it does not protect against measles.
- While Budesonide and Clarithromycin may have roles in specific medical conditions, there's no scientific evidence supporting their use as measles treatments, according to Dr. Daniel Ganjian.
- The CDC recommends the measles vaccine at ages 12-15 months, and again at ages 4-6 for the majority of the population. Older kids, teens, and adults may need a catch-up, with each dose at least 28 days apart.
- Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A found in cod liver oil can lead to liver damage, among other issues. Most people meet their daily vitamin A requirements through their diet, so supplementation isn't necessary for most, except for specific populations like premature infants or those with malabsorption disorders.
