What vitamin is given to support treatment and may reduce mortality in measles?

Vitamin A is indeed crucial in the context of measles treatment and has been shown to reduce mortality associated with the disease. Measles can lead to severe complications, particularly in malnourished children, and Vitamin A plays an essential role in maintaining immune function and preventing vitamin A deficiency, which can exacerbate the severity of the infection.

In terms of its effects, Vitamin A supplementation during an episode of measles has demonstrated a reduction in the risk of complications such as diarrhea and respiratory issues, both of which are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in measles-infected children. The World Health Organization recommends Vitamin A supplements for all children diagnosed with measles, especially in areas with high morbidity and inadequate dietary intake of the vitamin.

While other vitamins, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D, contribute to overall health and immune function, they do not specifically target the complications associated with measles in the same way that Vitamin A does. Similarly, Vitamin B12 is important for various bodily functions but does not have any established direct role in measles treatment. Thus, Vitamin A is the most appropriate choice in this situation.