Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its actual functions
Measles Outbreak Fuels Interest in Vitamin A Supplements as Preventive Measure
In the United States, a recent surge in measles cases — totaling over 1,000 across thirty states — has sparked renewed debate about potential alternative treatments and preventive measures. This resurgence, the country's worst outbreak in years, has led some citizens to consider vitamin A supplements in response to comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.
As of May 15, 2025, at least three confirmed deaths have been reported due to the outbreak, with western Texas and New Mexico being particularly hard-hit. However, measles cases have also been recorded in California, New York, Maryland, and other states, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue traveler warnings.
Historically, measles had been largely contained, save for occasional surges. In the last few decades, the U.S. has experienced two significant measles outbreaks, most notably the Indiana outbreak in 2005, which was largely fueled by undervaccination.
Kennedy Jr.'s remarks have centered on vitamin A supplements, such as cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin. The secretary has suggested that these substances could help treat measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of prevention.
Regarding vitamin A supplements as a potential remedy, medical experts interviewed by Medical News Today agreed that vitamin A does not offer any preventive benefits but can exacerbate symptoms when acute vitamin A deficiency occurs during the disease.
"While vitamin A does help the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles," explained Danelle Fisher, MD, of Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA. "However, when someone has the measles virus, their body can have a vitamin A deficiency. In such cases, vitamin A treatment may be helpful."
Another expert, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, echoed this sentiment, stating that vitamin A supplementation in children, particularly those under two years old, could provide supportive care in severe cases of measles.
In terms of budesonide and clarithromycin, both medications have received cautious praise from Kennedy Jr. for their potential role in the treatment of measles. However, medical experts have expressed concern about advocating for the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles," emphasized Daniel Ganjian, MD, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA. He further added that the limited data available on budesonide's use in measles management warranted further investigation.
Addressing antibiotics like clarithromycin, Ganjian underscored their appropriate use for treating bacterial infections but warned against their application for viral infections like measles.
To protect against measles, the CDC advises isolating individuals from others once the measles rash appears and upholds vaccination as the only effective preventive measure. Vaccination is especially recommended for those residing or traveling in regions where outbreaks are prevalent.
"The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially if you are living in or visiting an area where the outbreak is occurring," Gandhi advised.
- Some citizens, in response to comments by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are considering supplements like cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin A, as a potential response to the measles outbreak.
- Medical experts interviewed by Medical News Today agree that while vitamin A does aid the immune system, it does not offer preventive benefits against infectious diseases like measles.
- In severe cases of measles, particularly in children under two years old, vitamin A supplementation could provide supportive care, as suggested by infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi.
- Danelle Fisher, MD, explains that vitamin A treatment may be helpful when someone has the measles virus and their body shows signs of a deficiency.
- Daniel Ganjian, another board-certified pediatrician, cautions against advocating for unproven benefits of medications like budesonide and clarithromycin for viral infections like measles, despite Kennedy Jr.'s praise for their potential role in treatment.