Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A supplements; experts break down their actual functions.
In recent developments, the United States has witnessed a significant rise in measles cases, with over 1,000 confirmed infections across 30 states as of May 15, 2025, resulting in three reported fatalities. The outbreak has predominantly impacted western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert for monitoring potential exposures.
Although the U.S. has historically maintained effective control over measles, recent statistics have shown a resurgence fueled by undervaccination, as observed in the 2005 Indiana outbreak. These statistics highlight the continued importance of vaccination as the primary defense against measles.
Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, have sparked interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or prevention strategy for measles. According to Kennedy, supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown promising results in combating the disease. However, medical experts caution against relying solely on these treatments, as they have not been scientifically proven for the management of measles, a viral infection.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of protection. To provide further insight, Medical News Today consulted three experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher, both board certified at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Regarding vitamin A supplements, all three experts agreed that they offer no preventive benefits against measles but can help alleviate the severity of the disease in deficient individuals. The World Health Organization recommends administering two doses of vitamin A, given 24 hours apart, to children with measles, while adults may receive supplementation if they display signs of deficiency.
Experts also expressed concern over the use of budesonide and clarithromycin, as there is no conclusive evidence to support their routine use for treating measles. Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, are reserved for bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
The best method of protection against measles remains vaccination. If exposed to the disease, individuals should isolate for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines. Unvaccinated individuals, particularly children, should receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which can be administered in two doses at least 28 days apart. If unsure about vaccination status, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Cod liver oil, while containing vitamin A, does not possess unique benefits in treating or preventing measles beyond general vitamin A supplementation for deficient individuals. However, caution should be exercised while consuming high amounts of vitamin A, as it can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms such as skin and liver damage. Experts advise following daily intake recommendations, which vary by age, and seeking medical advice before taking vitamin A supplements.
In conclusion, while vitamin A supplements can help manage the severity of measles in cases of deficiency, they are not a viable preventive measure. The most effective method of protection remains immunization, and unvaccinated individuals, especially children, should consult their healthcare providers to ensure proper vaccination.
- Beyond vitamin A, cod liver oil does not offer unique benefits for treating or preventing measles in individuals who do not have deficiencies.
- Regarding the use of antibiotics like clarithromycin for measles, experts warn that there is no evidence to support their routine use for managing this viral infection.
- The importance of vaccination as a primary defense against chronic diseases like measles cannot be overstated, especially for unvaccinated individuals, particularly children.
- In the event of measles exposure, it's crucial to isolate for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent further transmission, as advised by major guidelines.
- Besides the MMR vaccine, health and wellness, including mental health and nutrition, play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, preventing the resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases.
- To combat the resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases, it's essential to focus on increasing public understanding of science, especially the importance of immunization and vaccination, to promote health and wellness.
