Which vitamin is noted to help in the treatment of measles?

Study for the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Vitamin A is essential in the management of measles due to its role in immune function and the maintenance of epithelial tissues. Measles can lead to a deficiency in vitamin A because the disease affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and can cause significant disruptions in the intestinal lining. This deficiency can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of severe complications from the virus.

Administering vitamin A during an acute measles infection has been shown to reduce the risk of severe disease and associated complications, including pneumonia and diarrhea. The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for children diagnosed with measles, particularly in settings with high rates of malnutrition and in regions where measles is endemic. This supplementation is effective because it improves immune response and helps restore vitamin A levels, making it an important aspect of managing measles in affected patients.

In contrast, while vitamins C, D, and K have important roles in overall health, they do not specifically address the complications or immune response associated with measles in the way that vitamin A does.

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