Measles prevention isn't guaranteed with Vitamin A. Experts disclose its true functions.
Resurgence of Measles Cases in the USA: A Closer Look at Vitamin A Supplementation and Prevention Strategies
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, spreading across 30 states, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and three reported deaths as of May 15, 2025. The epicenter of this outbreak appears to be in western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
This measles resurgence comes at a time when attention has been drawn to vitamin A supplements, following comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. While vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, has shown promising results in helping treat measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to advocate for vaccination as the most effective means of prevention.
Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts to answer common questions about vitamin A supplementation for measles and provide measures individuals can take to prevent the spread of the disease.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin important for vision and immune system function, is found in various common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. However, when it comes to preventing or treating measles, the experts concur that vitamin A provides no such advantage.
While vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. In fact, the disease itself can lead to vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms. In situations where patients have developed measles, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in addressing any deficiency-related complications.
The Role of Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Recent discussions around using the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin to treat measles have elicited concerns within the medical community. Neither medication has been proven to offer benefits for treating this viral infection, and their routine use should not be considered standard practice.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
According to the CDC, people with measles are contagious from the appearance of the measles rash. Isolation for four days, from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash, is recommended to prevent further transmission.
The most effective protection against measles remains vaccination, especially for those residing in areas with ongoing outbreaks, such as West Texas and New Mexico. Those who have not been vaccinated or are unsure about their vaccination status are advised to discuss their options with healthcare providers.
Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin A Toxicity
Cod liver oil, rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution due to its high vitamin A content. Exceeding recommended daily intakes can lead to toxicity and related health problems such as skin and bone fragility, liver damage, and other symptoms.
Ensuring adherence to age-specific vitamin A intake recommendations is crucial for maintaining overall health. In resource-rich countries like the United States, most individuals can meet their daily requirements through diet alone, and supplementation may only be necessary for specific populations such as premature infants, those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease, and others with impaired dietary absorption.
In summary, while vitamin A supplements can be beneficial in the treatment of measles, they are not effective in preventing the disease. Vaccination remains the most reliable means of preventing measles, and high doses of vitamin A, such as those found in cod liver oil, should be used cautiously under medical supervision.
- The resurgence of measles cases in the USA has sparked discussions about vitamin A supplements and their potential in preventing or treating the disease.
- Vitamin A, found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, does not protect against infectious diseases like measles.
- While vitamin A is beneficial for the immune system, it does not offer any advantage in preventing measles.
- In situations where patients have developed measles, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A may help address any deficiency-related complications.
- The use of budesonide and clarithromycin to treat measles is not standard practice as neither medication has been proven to offer benefits for this viral infection.
- People with measles are contagious from the appearance of the measles rash and isolation for four days is recommended to prevent further transmission.
- Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, especially for those residing in areas with ongoing outbreaks.
- Cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution due to its high vitamin A content.
- Exceeding recommended daily intakes of vitamin A found in cod liver oil can lead to toxicity and related health problems.
- Ensuring adherence to age-specific vitamin A intake recommendations is crucial for maintaining overall health.
- In resource-rich countries like the United States, most individuals can meet their daily requirements of vitamin A through diet alone.
- Supplementation may only be necessary for specific populations such as premature infants, those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease, and others with impaired dietary absorption.
