Synopsis

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

Vitamin A supplementation for measles has strong scientific backing and is recommended by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles infection can cause a significant decrease in serum vitamin A levels, which is associated with an increased risk of severe complications, including blindness, pneumonia, and death, particularly in children who are already vitamin A deficient or malnourished. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that administering high-dose vitamin A to children with measles significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. The benefit is most pronounced in hospitalized children, those with severe measles, and in populations where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent.

The WHO recommends that all children diagnosed with measles should receive vitamin A supplementation, regardless of their country’s endemic deficiency status, due to the observed reduction in measles-related complications and mortality. The mechanism is thought to involve both the restoration of vitamin A levels and the support of the immune response and epithelial integrity. The evidence is rated as high quality, with multiple large-scale studies and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy.

Thus, the use of vitamin A in the management of measles is not only traditional in some cultures but is also scientifically validated by robust clinical evidence and is now a standard part of measles case management protocols worldwide.

More about Vitamin A (not specified)
More about Measles

Other ingredients used for Measles

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin A (not specified)

Products containing Vitamin A (not specified)