A growing measles outbreak across the US is leading to a concerning trend: children taking excessive amounts of vitamin A are ending up in hospital with serious liver problems.
In Texas, several unvaccinated kids showed signs of liver damage after consuming large doses of vitamin A at Covenant Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer, attributes this to the misinformation spread by some health influencers and doctors, who have been promoting vitamin A as a potential cure for measles.
However, experts say there is no scientific basis for this claim. The US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted vitamin A during the outbreak, but even he acknowledges that vaccination is a personal choice, not an either-or situation with vitamin A.
The MMR vaccine remains the only proven way to prevent measles, with a success rate of 97% after two doses. Vitamin A can be beneficial when administered under medical supervision, but excessive intake can cause dry skin, blurry vision, bone problems, and liver damage.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition has warned parents against giving their children high doses of vitamin A, citing concerns about its effectiveness in preventing measles infection. Experts also caution that some symptoms caused by vitamin A toxicity are not reversible.
With the outbreak affecting at least 378 people across 17 states, officials urge parents to consult reputable sources and avoid following questionable health advice from social media or influencers.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-measles-outbreak-dangerous-vitamin-toxicity.html