Vitamin A does have a role in the treatment of measles.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vitamin A administration for all children with severe measles.
Vitamin A supplementation can reduce the severity and complications of measles, particularly in those who are vitamin A deficient or have severe cases.
The recommended doses are age-specific: 200,000 IU for children 12 months of age or older, 100,000 IU for infants 6 to 11 months of age, and 50,000 IU for infants younger than 6 months.
A third age-specific dose should be given 2 to 4 weeks later to children who have clinical signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends vitamin A for all children with acute measles, regardless of their country of residence, to reduce the risk of complications.
The dosing regimen is similar: 50,000 IU for infants younger than 6 months, 100,000 IU for infants 6 to 11 months, and 200,000 IU for children 12 months and older, administered once a day for two days.[2]
Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to decrease mortality and the risk of complications in young children hospitalized with measles, particularly in developing countries.
It is effective in reducing the severity of measles infection and associated complications such as pneumonia and diarrhea.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend vitamin A for all children with acute measles, because measles can deplete vitamin A stores and worsen outcomes.
Vitamin A supplementation reduces measles-related complications and mortality in children, especially where deficiency is common.
Standard dosing is age-specific and given over two days, with a possible third dose for those showing deficiency.
In high-income countries like the U.S., where vitamin A deficiency is rare, the benefit is less clear, but it is still recommended for severe cases.
Vitamin A does not prevent or cure measles, and vaccination remains the best prevention.