Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; Experts clarify the true functions of this nutrient.
In the United States, an increasing number of measles cases have been reported in 30 states, with over 1,000 individuals affected as of May 15, 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported three confirmed deaths due to the outbreak.
The rise in cases has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, but measles outbreaks have also been noted in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. The CDC has issued travel advisories due to the outbreaks.
Measles has historically been a well-controlled infectious disease, with only occasional surges. The U.S. experienced two major measles outbreaks in recent decades: the Indiana outbreak in 2005, which was fueled by undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, suggested that vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may help treat measles. However, the CDC recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention against measles.
Medical News Today interviewed three medical and public health experts to delve into the role of vitamin A in treating measles, the potential use of budesonide and clarithromycin, and prevention strategies.
While vitamin A is essential for immune system function and can be beneficial in treating measles by alleviating complications, it does not prevent the disease. Vitamin A deficiency can develop during the measles virus itself, making treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A advisable.
However, both Gandhi and Fisher warned against consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A, as it can cause damage to the body. Ganijan highlighted that cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement.
Fisher emphasized that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination. The CDC recommends that U.S. health authorities administer the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to young children between 12 and 15 months of age, with the second dose given between 4 and 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults should receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart, if they are not vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status.
There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide in the treatment of measles or prevention of complications. Budesonide is typically used for asthma and other inflammatory conditions. The use of clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is not recommended for measles treatment, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
- In contrast to the rising number of measles cases, oil derived from cod liver, like cod liver oil, is highlighted for its high levels of vitamin A, but potential damage to the body may occur from excessive consumption.
- When it comes to managing the conditions caused by measles, Ben Fisher, a medical and public health expert, insists that vaccination is the sole proven prevention strategy, while vitamin A supplements can alleviate complications but do not prevent the disease.
- The role of retinol, a form of vitamin A, in the treatment of measles has been explored, but only in terms of alleviating symptoms and not as a means of prevention. Vitamin A deficiency can develop during the disease, making treatment with oral doses of vitamin A necessary.
- While discussing prevention strategies for diseases like measles, health and wellness advocates often emphasize the importance of food and food benefits, nutrition, and fitness and exercise, in addition to appropriate supplementation.
- Conditions supplements like cod liver oil are sometimes suggested as potential treatments for diseases such as measles, but the scientific community, particularly the CDC, consistently advocates for vaccination as the most effective method of prevention and management.
