Measles cannot be prevented by Vitamin A. Experts shed light on the actual effects of this nutrient.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states as of May 15, 2025. With over 1,000 cases reported and three confirmed deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns, especially concerning travelers. The latest surge in cases has predominantly occurred in western Texas and New Mexico; however, measles cases have also been detected in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
Traditionally, measles has been a well-controlled disease, with only a few surges in recent decades. The U.S. has experienced two major measles outbreaks in the past: the Indiana outbreak of 2005, and another undisclosed event. Both outbreaks were attributed to undervaccination.
Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, have sparked interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin A supplements for treating or preventing measles. While the CDC acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it still advocates for vaccination as the best preventative measure.
To shed light on this topic, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and Danelle Fisher and Daniel Ganjian, both pediatricians at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
According to the experts consulted, vitamin A provides no benefits as a preventative measure against measles. Although it aids vision and immune system function, vitamin A does not guard against infectious diseases such as measles. When someone contracts the measles virus, their body may experience a vitamin A deficiency. In this scenario, two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful.
While treatment with vitamin A can be beneficial in addressing vitamin A deficiencies that may arise due to measles, it does not prevent the disease. Ganjian stated that the World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for adults and children with measles, particularly children under the age of 2 years old.
What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. praised the medications budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, concerns have been raised regarding the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections like measles. Ganjian clarified that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatments for measles.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganjian noted that antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections such as measles. In the context of clarithromycin, there is no recommendation for its use in measles management, and it should not be considered standard of care.
How to Protect Yourself Against Measles
Patients with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the appearance of the rash to prevent transmission. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing measles, especially in areas experiencing an outbreak. Fisher emphasized that vaccination is crucial for children and adults, as it prevents severe cases.
Vitamin A is not a prophylactic measure against measles in the current era, where a balanced diet provides adequate amounts of vitamin A.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What to Know
Cod liver oil is a complex supplement containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids. Consuming too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing skin and bone damage, among other side effects. Dietary intake usually provides the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A, but certain populations may require supplements.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
U.S. health authorities recommend children receive their first measles vaccination at ages 12-15 months, followed by a second dose at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are unvaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each separated by at least 28 days. Consult your doctor if you have not been vaccinated or are unsure about your vaccination status.
- Concerns over treatable or preventable options for measles have arisen following comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with vitamin A supplements being one such option.
- Despite the potential benefits of vitamin A for vision and immune system function, it does not offer protection against infectious diseases like measles.
- In a case where someone contracts the measles virus, their body might experience a vitamin A deficiency, making oral doses of vitamin A potentially helpful.
- According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, vitamin A supplementation is advantageous for adults and children with measles, especially those under age 2.
- Regarding the use of budesonide and clarithromycin in treating measles, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting or advocating for their use as standard treatments.
- Vaccination remains the most effective measure for preventing measles, and it is crucial for both children and adults, especially in areas experiencing an outbreak.
