What is the role of vitamin A in the treatment of measles in adults?

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Last updated: March 6, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

For adults with measles, vitamin A supplementation is recommended to reduce the severity of symptoms and complications, with a standard dose of 200,000 IU given orally for two consecutive days, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • The role of vitamin A in treating measles in adults is crucial, especially in reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia and eye damage.
  • The standard dose of vitamin A for adults with measles is 200,000 IU given orally for two consecutive days, which is supported by studies such as 1 that highlight the benefits of high-dose vitamin A in severe cases.
  • Vitamin A supplementation is particularly important for adults who are malnourished or from areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, as it helps support the immune system and maintain epithelial tissue integrity.
  • While the provided studies primarily focus on children, the principles of vitamin A supplementation can be applied to adults, especially considering the severe outcomes of measles in this population, as noted in 1.
  • It is essential to take vitamin A supplements with food to improve absorption and be aware of potential temporary side effects such as headache, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before taking high-dose vitamin A supplements due to the risk of birth defects.

Evidence Review

The evidence provided, although primarily focused on children, suggests a beneficial role of vitamin A in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with measles. Studies such as 2, 3, and 4 demonstrate the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in children, with reduced risks of mortality, pneumonia, and other complications. The most recent and relevant study for adults, 1, indicates that high-dose vitamin A may be beneficial in treating severe measles pneumonia in adults, supporting the recommendation for vitamin A supplementation in this population.

Clinical Application

In clinical practice, vitamin A supplementation should be considered for all adults diagnosed with measles, particularly those at high risk of complications due to malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency. The supplementation should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis, ideally within the first few days of symptom onset. Healthcare providers should monitor patients for signs of vitamin A deficiency and adjust the supplementation regimen accordingly. Additionally, patients should be counseled on the potential side effects of high-dose vitamin A and the importance of taking the supplement with food to enhance absorption.

References

Research

Vitamin A for treating measles in children.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2002

Research

Vitamin A for treating measles in children.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2005

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.