WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today issued a statement in response to recent media reports indicating that some parents are administering high doses of vitamin A to their children in an attempt to prevent measles infection.
“Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe health complications,” said Andrea Wong, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, CRN. “Treatment and care for measles should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.”
CRN emphasizes that while vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in supporting vision, growth, reproduction, and immune function, it is not a substitute for vaccination. While vitamin A plays an important role in supporting overall immune function, research hasn't established its effectiveness in preventing measles infection.
CRN is concerned about reports of high-dose vitamin A being used inappropriately, especially in children. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that accumulates in the liver. Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A can lead to toxicity and may result in adverse health effects, including liver damage, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, even more serious complications. These risks are especially heightened during pregnancy due to the potential for birth defects.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg per day for adults, and considerably less for children, depending on age. CRN urges consumers not to exceed these levels unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Vitamin A may be administered therapeutically to individuals who are already infected with measles, particularly in children with vitamin A deficiency, where it has been shown to help reduce the severity and complications of the disease. However, this use is a targeted, short-term medical intervention—not a preventive measure—and should only be done under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.
“Consumers must make informed decisions and consult qualified health professionals before giving supplements to children—especially in large doses,” added Dr. Wong. “Vitamin A is important for health, but more is not always better. Parents should rely on medically approved preventive measures, such as vaccination, to protect their children against measles.”
CRN continues to advocate for responsible use of dietary supplements as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness and reiterates the importance of evidence-based practices in both prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
For more information on responsible supplement use, visit www.crnusa.org.
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About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180+ dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on X @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.
