Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; experts clarify its true functions
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states, with over 1,000 cases reported as of May 15, 2025, and resulting in three confirmed deaths. The latest increase in cases has primarily been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional reports in California, New York, Maryland, and other states, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue travel warnings.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has seen two major outbreaks in recent decades, including the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both of which were caused by undervaccination. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown promise in treating measles. However, the CDC still maintains that vaccination is the only “effective” protection against the disease.
In an effort to address common questions about the use of vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention measures, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: an infectious disease specialist, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, both board-certified pediatricians at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
According to the experts, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles, but it is crucial for the immune system's functioning and is found in common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. When someone has measles, their body may develop a vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms. Thus, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be beneficial during recovery.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
While Kennedy Jr. has praised the medications budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles in two children, a lack of solid evidence supports their use for the treatment of this viral infection. Experts have expressed concerns about promoting unproven benefits for these medications in measles treatment.
How to protect yourself against measles
Individuals with measles are considered contagious from when the rash appears. The CDC recommends isolating patients with measles for four days to prevent further transmission. The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, especially for those living in areas with outbreaks.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Gandhi noted that cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Consuming high amounts of vitamin A can cause toxicity, with potential symptoms including skin and bone fragility, liver damage, headache, and nausea. It is recommended that people ensure they do not exceed daily levels, depending on age, to avoid such complications.
The CDC currently recommends that young children receive their first dose between 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6, while older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Those unsure about their vaccination history should consult their doctor.
- While the reintegration of vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, has shown promise in treating measles, this does not prevent the disease.
- The immune system's proper functioning relies on vitamin A, found in common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables.
- When someone has measles, their body may experience a vitamin A deficiency, worsening the symptoms, making treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A beneficial during recovery.
- In regards to the medications budesonide and clarithromycin, while they have been suggested for treating measles, there is a lack of solid evidence supporting their use for this viral infection.
- Isolating patients with measles for four days is recommended by the CDC to prevent further transmission, as vaccination is the only effective protection against the disease.
- With the ongoing measles outbreak affecting multiple states, it is crucial for those living in affected areas to ensure they are vaccinated, especially considering the significant health and mental consequences associated with chronic diseases and the importance of overall health and wellness, including nutrition.
