Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A. Here's a lowdown on the actual role of this supplement.
Fresh Perspective:
America's Measles Resurgence and the Role of Vitamin A
The United States has been battling a resurgence of measles, with over 1,000 cases reported across thirty states, causing three confirmed fatalities as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, but measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. Travelers have been warned to remain vigilant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recent remarks from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, have fueled a new focus on vitamin A supplements as a potential remedy for measles. Kennedy Jr. praised vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, and the steroid budesonide, as well as the antibiotic clarithromycin, claiming they have shown promising results in treating measles.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, they emphasize that vaccination is the most effective means of protection against the disease. To clarify common questions about vitamin A supplements, measles, and disease prevention, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco; Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; and Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A helps support the immune system and is found in various foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables," explained Fisher. However, all three experts agreed that while vitamin A can aid the immune system, it does not offer protection against the measles virus. Instead, the disease itself can lead to vitamin A deficiencies, which may exacerbate symptoms.
Ganijan stated that vitamin A supplementation could be considered "supportive care" for children with severe measles, as a Cochrane review has shown that two doses can help reduce the severity of symptoms in children under the age of 2. The World Health Organization also recommends vitamin A for adults and children with measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
There is no evidence to support using budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles, and their use should be reserved for clinical trials or specific cases. Though a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management.
On the other hand, antibiotics like clarithromycin are not recommended for the treatment of measles, as they are designed to combat bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles. Antibiotics should only be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media.
How to protect yourself against measles
Patients with measles should isolate for four days, as recommended by major guidelines, to prevent transmission. The best protection against measles remains vaccination. In areas with active outbreaks, such as western Texas and New Mexico, it's crucial for both children and adults to get vaccinated, particularly if they haven't been previously.
"Vitamin A is less of a preventive measure and more of a treatment option for individuals who already have measles. Therefore, it's essential to get vaccinated to prevent measles from occurring in the first place," said Gandhi.
Cod liver oil, vitamin A, and the right intake
Cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and vitamin D, making it a multifaceted supplement. Overconsumption of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, liver damage, and more. It's crucial to ensure one doesn't exceed the daily recommended intake, which varies by age, to avoid potential harm.
** Current measles vaccine recommendations**
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the United States, health authorities recommend that young children receive their first dose between 12-15 months of age and the second dose between 4-6 years. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, with each dose at least 28 days apart. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, stated that while vitamin A can aid the immune system, it does not offer protection against the measles virus.
- In cases of severe measles, vitamin A supplementation could be considered as supportive care for children under the age of 2, according to a Cochrane review.
- Budesonide, a steroid, is not recommended as a standard treatment for measles, and its use should be reserved for clinical trials or specific cases.
- Antibiotics like clarithromycin are not recommended for the treatment of measles, as they are designed to combat bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
- To prevent measles transmission, patients with measles should isolate for four days as recommended by major guidelines.
- In areas with active measles outbreaks, it's crucial for both children and adults to get vaccinated, particularly if they haven't been previously.
- Cod liver oil, which contains both vitamin A and vitamin D, should be consumed within the daily recommended limit to avoid potential harm due to vitamin A toxicity.
