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Nutritional Management of Monkeypox Virus Infection: The Need for Vitamin A in Improving Patient Care and Recovery: A Systematic Review


Authors : Joyce Samuel Inuwa Zalanga; Maikano Mohammad Ari; Akyala Ishaku Adamu; Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudoh; Jack Vala; Orinya Agbaji Orinya; Dr. Eno Chongs Mantu; Susan A. J. Holdbrooke; Joseph A. Iyanam; Deborah Akpan Iyanam; Joseph Ikang Ogbudu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/wmuj7hcu

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4wr83v9v

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar011

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Abstract : Monkeypox virus infection (MPXV)has for some time now been a public health concern, with patients recovery being majorly dependent of supportive care. Vitamin A, a major micronutrient for immune competence and epithelial integrity has been proposed as a potential adjunct therapy for improving patients care and recovery in the management of MPXV. This systematic review synth esizes current evidence on the nutritional management of MPXV, focusing on the effect of vitamin A on clinical outcome and recovery time.Searches were made on PubMed, Scopus, web of science and other reliable literatures for studies published up to 2025, that assessed the effect of vitamin A on MPXV. Studies that were eligible were further scrutinized for methodological quality using appropriate tools. Initial findings suggest that adequate vitamin A status correlates with reduces lesion severity, and shorter duration of viral shedding. The study recommends that vitamin A incorporation of between 5,000-10,000iu daily from foods such as dark leafy vegetables, liver, carrots and sweet potatoes especially Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) could reduce the severity of monkeypox virus infection, as well as improve patients’ recovery during management. This study also encourages, pairing vitamin A. with a balanced intake of zinc, protein and vitamin C, as well as adequate fluid for optimal support, and faster recovery. this systematic review also calls for the need for a well-designed randomized control trial to establish optimal vitamin A dosing, safety ranges, and its integration into an all-inclusive nutritional care pathway for MPXV patient management.

Keywords : Monkey Pox; Micro Nutrient; Vitamin A; Nutritional Management. Public Health

References :

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Monkeypox virus infection (MPXV)has for some time now been a public health concern, with patients recovery being majorly dependent of supportive care. Vitamin A, a major micronutrient for immune competence and epithelial integrity has been proposed as a potential adjunct therapy for improving patients care and recovery in the management of MPXV. This systematic review synth esizes current evidence on the nutritional management of MPXV, focusing on the effect of vitamin A on clinical outcome and recovery time.Searches were made on PubMed, Scopus, web of science and other reliable literatures for studies published up to 2025, that assessed the effect of vitamin A on MPXV. Studies that were eligible were further scrutinized for methodological quality using appropriate tools. Initial findings suggest that adequate vitamin A status correlates with reduces lesion severity, and shorter duration of viral shedding. The study recommends that vitamin A incorporation of between 5,000-10,000iu daily from foods such as dark leafy vegetables, liver, carrots and sweet potatoes especially Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) could reduce the severity of monkeypox virus infection, as well as improve patients’ recovery during management. This study also encourages, pairing vitamin A. with a balanced intake of zinc, protein and vitamin C, as well as adequate fluid for optimal support, and faster recovery. this systematic review also calls for the need for a well-designed randomized control trial to establish optimal vitamin A dosing, safety ranges, and its integration into an all-inclusive nutritional care pathway for MPXV patient management.

Keywords : Monkey Pox; Micro Nutrient; Vitamin A; Nutritional Management. Public Health

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

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