Vitamin A was shown to have beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality rates among children suffering from measles in studies conducted in Africa. A study of children with measles (n=20) in California revealed that 50% suffered from Vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, vitamin A should be evaluated as part of treatment for measles in the US. (23)
A meta-analysis that included 12 controlled trials in developing countries evaluated the effect of vitamin A and child mortality. Results indicate vitamin A taken by hospitalized children suffering from measles has a beneficial effect on mortality. Vitamin A also has a beneficial effect on overall mortality in healthy children. (24)