Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; experts clarify its true functions.
Amidst the recent surge of measles cases across multiple states in the United States, there has been an increased interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or prevention method. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1,000 cases have been confirmed in 30 states, with 3 reported deaths as of May 15, 2025.
The outbreak has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The CDC has issued a warning for travelers to remain vigilant. Measles, typically a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced occasional surges in the U.S., with the most recent happening in the last few decades, such as the Indiana outbreak of 2005. These surges have largely been attributed to undervaccination.
US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has suggested vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, to be effective treatments for measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination as the primary means of prevention.
Medical researchers, speaking with Medical News Today, have emphasized that while vitamin A is important for immune system functioning, it does not offer protection against infectious diseases like measles. The disease can actually induce a vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.
When someone already has measles, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A may be helpful but should be administered cautiously to avoid toxicity. Budesonide and clarithromycin have limited evidence supporting their use in treating measles, and their benefits are not considered standard in measles management.
The CDC advises those with measles to remain in isolation for four days before and after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. The only effective method of prevention against measles is vaccination, especially for those residing in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
"While vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone has the measles virus, their body can have a vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful," explained Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
For children with severe measles, supplementation with vitamin A is considered supportive care, with two doses shown to decrease the risk of complications and mortality. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major health authorities recommend vitamin A supplementation for children hospitalized with measles.
Preventative measures against measles include maintaining proper nutrition with foods rich in vitamin A and getting vaccinated, particularly if living in areas with ongoing outbreaks. It's essential to follow recommended daily vitamin A intake and avoid consuming too much to prevent toxicity.
- The surge in measles cases across multiple states has sparked interest in vitamin A supplements, including cod liver oil, as potential treatments or preventive measures.
- Agricultural products like fish, rich in vitamin A, play a role in maintaining proper nutrition for immune system support.
- When someone contracted with measles, a virus that can induce a vitamin A deficiency, carefully administered treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can potentially help.
- The steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have limited evidence supporting their use in treating measles, and their benefits are not standard in measles management.
- As the CDC emphasizes, vaccination remains the primary means of measles prevention, especially for individuals residing in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
- In Europe, policy and legislation are under consideration to improve food and food benefits programs to better address chronic diseases like measles and nutritional deficiencies.
- Mental health and wellness are essential for managing the stress and anxiety caused by chronic diseases like measles, and mental health services should be considered as part of any effort to improve health care.
- To curb the spread of measles, the CDC advises those infected to isolate themselves for four days before and after the onset of the rash.
- In alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics and other major health authorities, preventative measures against measles include proper nutrition, foods rich in vitamin A, and, if residing in areas with ongoing outbreaks, vaccination.
