Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its actual functions
The United States is grappling with a resurgence of measles, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states as of May 15, 2025. Tragically, three fatalities have been confirmed. The recent outbreak has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, traditionally an effectively controlled infectious disease, has seen a few resurgences in the past. In the last few decades, two significant measles outbreaks occurred, most notably in Indiana in 2005, both driven by undervaccination.
Recently, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made comments suggesting that vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, and the steroid budesonide or the antibiotic clarithromycin may aid in the treatment or prevention of measles. However, the CDC still recommends vaccination as the most effective measure against the disease.
To provide insight on vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention strategies, Medical News Today spoke to three experts in medical and public health fields: 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, CA; and Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
While vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune system functioning, can help help the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. In fact, the body may develop a deficiency in vitamin A when infected with measles. Treatment with Vitamin A supplements can be beneficial in these instances.
Monica Gandhi explained that two doses of Vitamin A should be administered to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, following recommendations from the World Health Organization. For adults and children with measles, similar advice holds.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recommendations, there is no substantial evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids in managing measles as a standard treatment. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in treatment. The same applies to the use of clarithromycin, which is not recommended for measles itself but could be used if there’s evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
Patients with measles must isolate from others for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. Fisher emphasized that the only failsafe method of avoiding measles is vaccination. If you haven't received the measles vaccine, consider doing so, especially if you reside in an area affected by the outbreak (e.g., west Texas, New Mexico). For those unsure about their vaccination status, consult your doctor promptly.
In the United States, diet usually provides sufficient vitamin A to meet daily requirements, so there is no need for regular vitamin A supplementation. However, certain groups, like premature infants or those with conditions like celiac disease, may need supplements to ensure adequate vitamin A intake. Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, resulting in symptoms like liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and more.
In summary, while vitamin A supplementation can help reduce complications and mortality in those with severe measles, it does not prevent measles infection. On the other hand, there is currently no evidence to support the use of budesonide or clarithromycin for treating or preventing measles. The only effective approach to measles prevention is vaccination.
- Despite the recent claims suggesting vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, might aid in measles treatment or prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends vaccination as the most effective measure against measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, advises that two doses of Vitamin A should be administered to children, especially those under the age of 2 years old, with severe measles, following recommendations from the World Health Organization.
- Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, emphasizes that the only failsafe method of avoiding measles is vaccination, especially for those residing in areas affected by the outbreak, like west Texas and New Mexico.
- Tragically, in the current resurgence of measles in the United States, there is no substantial evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles, according to experts in medical and public health fields.
- For adults and children with measles, treatment with Vitamin A supplements can be beneficial when the body develops a deficiency due to the infection. However, consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body.
- In general news, the recent outbreak of measles in the United States, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states, has primary affected western Texas and New Mexico, as well as California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
- To better educate the public on the prevention strategies for measles and the potential role of vitamin A supplements, experts in medical and public health fields such as Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, are being consulted by reputable sources like Medical News Today.
