Vitamin A supplementation for measles is particularly beneficial in which group?

• A. Infants under 6 months
• B. Young children
• C. Adolescents
• D. Elderly

Answer: (B)

Vitamin A is essential for fighting infection and maintaining the health of mucous membranes. In measles, deficiency of this vitamin worsens illness, increasing the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and eye problems that can lead to vision loss. Providing vitamin A to children with measles reduces mortality and shortens illness, and the benefit is greatest in young children who are more likely to have vitamin A deficiency and to experience more severe measles. This group typically includes children in the 6 months to a few years age range, where deficiency is common and outcomes are more vulnerable. Infants under six months rely more on maternal stores and are not the group that shows the largest impact from supplementation, while adolescents and the elderly generally have lower risk for severe measles and less likelihood of deficiency.