Amid the measles outbreak in the United States, doctors are grappling with another concern: Vitamin A toxicity. According to a CNN report, patients at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock exhibited abnormal liver function.
With many unvaccinated children turning up at hospitals with measles, vitamin A toxicity is an added challenge for health experts. Notably, cases surged after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed vitamin A-rich supplements, such as cod liver oil, as a measles treatment.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated on Fox News that while no approved antiviral treatment exists for measles, the CDC has updated its recommendations to support vitamin A administration under medical supervision for mild, moderate, and severe cases. He highlighted studies showing that vitamin A can significantly reduce measles- mortality.
Also read | Measles making a comeback: How dangerous it is and ways to stay protected
Meanwhile, CDC and WHO stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. A 97 per cent effectiveness is shown by taking two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a vital fat-soluble nutrient that plays a key role in immune function, vision, reproductive health, and fetal development. It exists in two dietary forms: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. Preformed vitamin A is found in foods such as fish, organ meats, dairy products, and eggs, while provitamin A carotenoids are abundant in plant-based sources like fruits and vegetables.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for adult men and 700 mcg for women.
What is vitamin A toxicity?
Vitamin A toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis A occurs due to excessive consumption of vitamin A and compounds.
Vitamin A toxicity can be either acute or chronic. Acute toxicity results from consuming excessive amounts over a short period, whereas chronic toxicity develops when high levels accumulate in the body over an extended period.
What are the symptoms?
Changes in vision
Bone pain
Poor appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Headache
Liver damage
Skin troubles
Dry skin
Jaundice
Over 300 measles cases were reported in the US as of March 20. Cases were also reported from regions including New Mexico, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, New York City, Washington, Florida and Georgia.
