Vitamin A doesn't safeguard against measles; instead, it plays a different role, as industry professionals clarify.
Take a Gander at the Latest Measles Outbreak in the US
The United States has been hit by a significant measles surge, spreading across 30 states as of May 15, 2025. This outbreak has sadly caused the death of three individuals. To put things in perspective, the latest outbreak has been particularly evident in western Texas and New Mexico. However, measles cases have also popped up in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory to warn people about the outbreak's potential spread.
Measles was once under control as a contagious disease, but numerous spikes have occurred recently, including the noteworthy incidents in 2005 in Indiana. These outbreaks were primarily caused by under-vaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, recently advocated for vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, and treatments like budesonide and clarithromycin as potential solutions for treating measles.
Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a possible treatment for measles, the agency still firmly endorses vaccination as the primary defense against the disease. Curious about whether vitamin A supplements can truly help combat measles and what steps can be taken to prevent the disease's spread? Medical News Today tapped three experts to provide insights on these questions:- Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco- Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.- Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision and the functioning of our immune system," Fisher explained. Vitamin A can typically be found in everyday foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables.
All three experts shared that vitamin A has no therapeutic properties for preventing measles; however, it can be beneficial for those already infected as their bodies may experience vitamin A deficiency due to the disease.
"While it supports the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious illnesses such as measles. When someone contracts the measles virus, their body may experience vitamin A deficiency. In that case, the administration of two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful," Fisher said. Gandhi added that providing vitamin A supplementation, especially to children, is considered supportive care.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. touted the alleged benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, some experts have voiced concerns about promoting unproven treatments for a viral infection.
"There is currently no scientific evidence to support the routine use of budesonide or other steroids in treating measles," Ganjian explained. While a recent study found no adverse effects from steroid use in measles cases, there is no clear basis for their use in standard measles management.
"The role of clarithromycin specifically is uncertain, as it is an antibiotic and should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles," Ganjian continued.
How to Protect Yourself Against Measles
According to the CDC, people have the best chance of avoiding measles by getting vaccinated, particularly if they reside in an area with an outbreak. If you haven't received the MMR vaccine, consult your doctor about getting vaccinated, especially for your children.
"Patients with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the onset of the rash to prevent the spread of the disease. Vitamin A is only beneficial once someone has measles; it is not a preventive measure," Gandhi said.
Vitamin A: A Double-Edged Sword
Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. However, experts caution that high levels of vitamin A can cause issues such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, and even liver damage, among other issues, if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, it's essential to be conscious of the recommended daily intake depending on age.
"In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people consume the recommended daily vitamin A requirements through their diets. Only specific populations like premature infants, people with celiac disease, or those suffering from Crohn's disease require supplementation," Fisher clarified.
Vaccination: Your Best Defense Against Measles
The CDC recommends that young children receive their first MMR dose at 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. If you are older and haven't received the MMR vaccine, you should get one or two doses at least 28 days apart. Speak with your doctor if you're unsure about your vaccination status.
- The outbreak of measles in the United States has resulted in three reported deaths.
- The latest measles outbreak is predominantly occurring in western Texas and New Mexico.
- Measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory due to the measles outbreak.
- In the past, under-vaccination was the primary cause of measles outbreaks, including one in Indiana in 2005.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that vitamin A supplements, cod liver oil, and treatments like budesonide and clarithromycin could help treat measles.
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision and the immune system.
- Everyday foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables contain vitamin A.
- Vitamin A has no therapeutic properties for preventing measles, but it can be beneficial for those infected due to the disease's potential impact on vitamin A levels.
- Providing vitamin A supplementation, especially to children, is considered supportive care for those already infected with measles.
- There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the routine use of budesonide to treat measles.
- Clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- The best way to avoid measles is vaccination, especially for those residing in outbreak areas.
- Patients with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and after the onset of the rash.
- Vitamin A is not a preventive measure for measles; it is only beneficial once someone has been infected.
- Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement.
- High levels of vitamin A can cause issues such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, and liver damage if ingested in large quantities.
- Most people in resource-rich countries like the United States consume the recommended daily vitamin A requirements through their diets.
- Specific populations like premature infants, people with celiac disease, or those suffering from Crohn's disease may require vitamin A supplementation.
- The CDC recommends that young children receive their first MMR dose at 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- If you are older and haven't received the MMR vaccine, you should get one or two doses at least 28 days apart.
- Consult your doctor if you're unsure about your vaccination status.
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