Oklahoma health experts warn of Vitamin A toxicity amid measles outbreak
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma health experts are weighing in on a new concern linked to the measles outbreak.
There's been a lot of discussion about Vitamin A protecting against the disease, even from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but health experts say it doesn't work and it can be dangerous.
'It's important to recognize we're not getting calls here in Oklahoma, we're just trying to get ahead of this story,' said Kristie Edelen, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center.
The Oklahoma Poison Center is sounding the alarm after doctors in Texas have seen children hospitalized with Vitamin A poisoning.
Measles exposure site identified in Sallisaw, case count reaches 15
'We're talking about well over 20, 30 times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A,' said Dr. George Monks, former president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it builds up in the body.
'If you give really high amounts over a long period of time, then those can potentially be harmful and most of the time of course, it can cause some GI stuff, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, but the biggest thing we get concerned about is toxicity to the liver,' said Edelen.
The best thing you can do when it comes to measles is get the MMR vaccine.
'Talking with your pediatrician and making sure that you have a plan and that your kid is vaccinated and asking them all of those really important questions, even if you do have questions about vitamin A versus just giving vitamin A without asking a health care provider,' said Edelen.
Oklahoma has seen 15 cases so far, with one of them being a fully vaccinated patient.
Doctors say it's rare, and they typically have a milder illness and are less likely to spread the disease.
If you have questions about Vitamin A, medications, or supplement use, contact the Oklahoma Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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