Measles and Vitamin D
- drbrandanlee
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Important Concepts.
Measles is making headlines across the US. As the media tends to do, the news is creating anxiety and fear about measles. Let's focus on some critical, well-established science you won't see on the evening news.
While we tend to associate measles with the characteristic rash, it's important to remember that it is a Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI). Most of the symptoms of measles are "flu-like." Thinking of measles as the flu plus a rash can be helpful.
It's well established that Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune system health and shines particularly brightly in RTIs. Many mechanisms help Vitamin D protect the body from RTIs. Here are two to remember:
Vitamin D is essential for the health of the epithelial cells that make up the lining of lung tissue. The lining of your lungs is a physical barrier between the outside world and your body's internal environment. No matter what virus or bacteria is in question, healthy lung tissue and lining will increase your resistance to sickness and disease. This is an important mechanism that helps Vitamin D protect us from RTIs.
Vitamin D supports White Blood Cell (WBC) function. WBCs help defend the body from invaders and pathogens. Measles is a classic example of a viral pathogen; anything you can do to support WBC health and function will help defend against it.
Vitamin A is another nutrient to be aware of, specifically regarding measles. Both the NIH and the WHO have recommended Vitamin A to help treat children who have measles. Interestingly, the mechanism for helping is similar to that of Vitamin D: Vitamin A supports healthy epithelium and WBC function. Your best sources of Vitamin A come from animal foods, such as beef liver or chicken liver.
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