Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its actual functions in the body.
U.S. Experiences Significant Measles Outbreak, Raises Questions About Vitamin A Supplements
The United States is currently grappling with a substantial measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases in 30 states. This outbreak, as of May 15, 2025, has regrettably resulted in three fatalities.
The recent surge in cases has predominantly occurred in western Texas and New Mexico, although measles have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and many other states. Travelers have been urged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to exercise caution, given the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced occasional surges. The U.S. has experienced two significant measles outbreaks in recent decades, including the outbreak in Indiana in 2005, which was triggered by undervaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has stated that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin, show promise in treating measles. However, the CDC still advocates vaccination as the most effective method of preventing the disease.
In an effort to address common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and preventive measures, Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts: 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, a board-certified pediatrician at the same institution.
Role of Vitamin A in Treating Measles
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and the immune system, found in numerous common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. While it helps the immune system, vitamin A does not confer protection against infectious diseases like measles. However, the disease itself can cause a vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms.
For treatment, two oral doses of Vitamin A may be administered when someone has been diagnosed with measles to mitigate the effects of the deficiency they may be experiencing.
The Questionable Role of Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Following Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, concerns have been raised about advocating for the unproven benefits of these medications for a viral infection. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, their use should not be considered routine or standard of care.
Regarding clarithromycin, its use is inappropriate for viral infections like measles, as antibiotics are intended for treating confirmed bacterial infections.
Preventing Measles: The Importance of Vaccination
The CDC advises that people are considered contagious from the onset of measles rash, and isolation from others for four days is recommended.
In an interview, Dr. Danelle Fisher highlighted the importance of vaccination as the only effective method of preventing measles—a view shared by all three experts. In areas where an outbreak is occurring, such as west Texas and New Mexico, those who have not been vaccinated, particularly children, are at high risk for severe cases of the disease.
"[V]itamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a preventive measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take Vitamin A to prevent measles," Dr. Monica Gandhi said.
In conclusion, while vitamin A plays a role in treating measles, it does not prevent the disease. Budesonide and clarithromycin have shown little evidence of benefiting measles treatment so far. As a result, the most effective measure remains vaccination.
- Despite its role in treating some of the symptoms of measles due to potential vitamin A deficiencies, consuming vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil or common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and vegetables, does not protect against contracting measles.
- In an effort to treat measles, two oral doses of Vitamin A may be administered to counteract deficiencies that can exacerbate the disease, but there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of the steroid budesonide as a standard treatment for measles.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that isolation from others for four days is recommended after the onset of measles rash, reiterating the importance of vaccination as the only effective method of preventing measles, especially in areas experiencing outbreaks like west Texas and New Mexico.
- In a recent interview, Dr. Monica Gandhi confirmed that vitamin A is beneficial in mitigating the effects of measles but not as a preventive measure; instead, she emphasized that it should not be used to prevent measles in areas where there's an abundance of Vitamin A in the diet.
