Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Chicken Pox

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A has a recognized role in immune function and maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues. Its use in the context of chickenpox (varicella) is not routine for the general population but has scientific backing primarily in populations at risk of deficiency, particularly in children in developing countries. Several studies, including randomized controlled trials and WHO recommendations, have demonstrated that vitamin A supplementation significantly reduces morbidity and mortality in children with measles, a viral infection with similarities to chickenpox in terms of skin involvement and complications. For chickenpox specifically, the evidence is less robust but suggests that vitamin A deficiency may exacerbate the severity of the disease, and supplementation could support recovery in deficient individuals. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend vitamin A supplementation for children with severe measles, and some clinicians extrapolate this to other viral exanthems like chickenpox in malnourished populations. However, routine vitamin A supplementation for chickenpox in healthy, well-nourished children is not supported by strong evidence, and major guidelines do not recommend it. In summary, while there is scientific rationale and some supporting evidence for vitamin A in treating or supporting recovery from chickenpox in deficient children, its use is not universally endorsed for this condition and is mainly considered in settings where deficiency is prevalent.

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