Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; experts detail its actual role
UPTICK IN MEASLES CASES Prompts Discussion on Vitamin A Supplementation
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 reported cases across 30 states, including California, New York, Maryland, and Texas, and New Mexico, as of May 15, 2025. This rise in measles cases has led to three confirmed deaths.
The latest surge in measles cases has centered around western Texas and New Mexico. Despite efforts to control the spread of the disease, cases have also been reported in other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised travelers to remain vigilant.
Measles is an infectious disease that was previously well-controlled until recent surges. The most notable occurrences in the last few decades were the Indiana outbreak of 2005 and the earlier surges, which were mainly fueled by undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has suggested that vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, could help treat or prevent measles. However, the CDC still recommends vaccination as the most effective method to prevent the disease.
Three medical and public health experts have been consulted by Medical News Today to address common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and measures to prevent the disease's spread.
Does Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, and Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center, all stated that vitamin A provided no benefit as a preventive measure. However, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms, with treatment involving two oral doses of vitamin A being helpful in these instances.
Budesonide, a steroid, and clarithromycin, an antibiotic, have been mentioned by Kennedy Jr., but their unproven benefits for the treatment of measles have prompted concerns among experts.
Ganijan pointed out that there is no evidence to support the routine use of budesonide for measles treatment, and their use should not be considered standard. Further research may be needed to determine if budesonide has any role in measles management.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganijan emphasized that antibiotics are used solely for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
How to Protect Against Measles
The CDC advises that people should isolate from others when the measles rash appears, for four days, to prevent transmission.
Vitamin A, while not a preventive measure, can be beneficial for patients who already have measles due to the disease causing vitamin A deficiency. The CDC recommends vaccination as the most effective preventive method against measles.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Recommended Daily Intake
Gandhi noted that cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Fischer advised that the recommended daily vitamin A intake varies with age, and while most people can meet their requirements through their diets, certain populations may need supplements.
Consuming too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing various health issues such as liver damage. Fishers warned that people taking vitamin A supplements should ensure they do not exceed the recommended daily limits, depending on their age.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the United States, the CDC has the following recommendations for vaccination:
- Children should receive their first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with the second dose given between the ages of 4 and 6.
- 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 given at least 28 days apart.
Those who have not been vaccinated as a child, have only had one dose, or are unsure about their vaccination status are advised to consult their healthcare provider.
- The United States is experiencing an increase in measles cases, with more than 1,000 reported in 30 states by May 15, 2025.
- Measles cases have been reported in California, New York, Maryland, Texas, and New Mexico, among other states.
- Travelers have been advised to remain vigilant due to the surge in measles cases across the country.
- Measles is an infectious disease that has caused significant concern due to its recent resurgence.
- The CDC still recommends vaccination as the most effective method for preventing measles, despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s suggestion of using vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil.
- Three medical and public health experts have been consulted by Medical News Today for views on vitamin A supplements for measles and measures to prevent its spread.
- The experts agree that vitamin A provided no benefit as a preventive measure for measles, but it may be helpful in treating vitamin A deficiencies caused by the disease.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, suggested by Kennedy Jr., have raised concerns among experts for their unproven benefits in treating measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, warns against the routine use of budesonide for measles treatment and emphasized the need for more research to determine its role in measles management.
- Ganijan also emphasized that antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, are not effective for treating viral infections like measles.
- People should isolate themselves from others when the measles rash appears to prevent transmission for four days.
- Vitamin A can be beneficial for people who have already been infected with measles due to the disease causing vitamin A deficiency.
- Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement.
- Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician, advises that the recommended daily vitamin A intake varies with age, and certain populations may need supplements.
- Consuming too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing various health issues, such as liver damage.
- People taking vitamin A supplements should ensure they do not exceed the recommended daily limits, depending on their age.
- In response to the growing measles outbreak in the United States, the CDC recommends that children receive their first MMR vaccine dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with the second dose given between the ages of 4 and 6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
- Those who have not been vaccinated as a child, have only had one dose, or are unsure about their vaccination status are advised to consult their healthcare provider.
- Chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and eye health conditions, can be affected by nutritional deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet and appropriate supplementation.
- The discussion on vitamin A supplementation for measles has led to wider discussions on health and wellness, including mental health and the role of policy and legislation in addressing chronic diseases and conditions.
- Persons with psoriasis may benefit from specific dietary modifications due to skin conditions, such as increasing fish intake for the omega-3 fatty acids, which have shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- However, in some cases, such as war-affected regions, food and food benefits policies play a crucial role in addressing malnutrition and supporting general health, both physical and mental.
- In situations involving accidents – car accidents, crime, and sports injuries – emergency responders may be called upon to administer medical assistance, while sports-betting policies and politics often draw attention in the general news and crime and justice sectors.
