Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A
For the health condition: Measles

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin A supplementation is strongly supported by scientific evidence for use in the management of measles, particularly in children. Numerous studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that vitamin A can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with measles infection, especially in populations where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend vitamin A supplementation for all children diagnosed with measles in areas where vitamin A deficiency may be a concern. This recommendation is based on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses showing that vitamin A reduces the risk of severe complications (such as pneumonia and diarrhea), prevents blindness, and decreases the risk of death in children with measles. The proposed mechanisms involve vitamin A’s role in maintaining mucosal integrity, enhancing immune function, and supporting epithelial tissue repair, all of which are compromised during measles infection. The benefits are especially pronounced in children under five years of age and those with evidence of vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, the use of vitamin A in the treatment and support of measles is not only grounded in traditional practices but is also robustly validated by high-quality scientific evidence.

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