It’s one thing after another.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread across the United States, an unexpected issue has emerged: children suffering from vitamin A toxicity. Several unvaccinated children at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, were reported to have liver issues after consuming large amounts of vitamin A. This has raised concerns about the growing misinformation surrounding measles prevention.
Despite claims by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that vitamin A could prevent measles, health experts strongly disagree. Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading vaccine specialist, warns that relying on vitamin A instead of the proven measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine could result in more children contracting measles. The MMR vaccine remains the most effective prevention method, with a 97% efficacy rate after two doses.
While vitamin A can be helpful for treating measles when prescribed by a doctor, taking excessive amounts can be harmful. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the body, leading to health issues such as liver damage, dry skin, blurry vision, and bone problems. Dr. Lesley Motheral, a pediatrician in Texas, pointed out that most U.S. children are adequately nourished and do not require additional vitamin A. While the toxicity symptoms may subside once vitamin A intake is stopped, some effects may be irreversible.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a group representing supplement manufacturers, has cautioned parents against using high doses of vitamin A as a measles preventive. They stress that while vitamin A is important for immune function, its effectiveness in preventing measles remains unproven. Misinformation from social media influencers and health figures promoting unverified treatments has further complicated the issue.
Despite the warnings, figures like Kennedy continue to endorse vitamin A and other supplements as part of measles treatment plans. However, medical professionals maintain that the MMR vaccine is the only proven way to prevent measles, which has now affected at least 378 individuals across 17 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Vermont, and New York.
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