Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; experts clarify its actual functions

Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; experts clarify its actual functions

Resurging Measles Outbreak in Multiple U.S. States: Understanding the Role of Vitamin A and Preventive Measures

The United States is grappling with a significant measles resurgence, spanning 30 states as of May 15, 2025. At present, there are three confirmed deaths, with the majority of cases detected in western Texas and New Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a traveler alert, urging caution in affected areas.

Historically, measles has been kept under control, with the exception of occasional surges. Two major measles outbreaks in the last few decades, such as the Indiana outbreak in 2005, have been linked to undervaccination.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has discussed the potential benefits of vitamin A, cod liver oil, the steroid budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin in the treatment and prevention of measles. While the CDC acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment, it still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of protection.

To delve deeper into this topic, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at the same institution.

Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?

Vitamin A is acknowledged as a crucial nutrient for maintaining good vision and a robust immune system. One can find vitamin A in various common foods – eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange and green vegetables, and cod liver oil. The experts unanimously agreed that vitamin A does not act as a preventative measure against measles. However, it is essential to note that the disease itself could lead to vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms.

In such instances, administering two oral doses of vitamin A can help alleviate the severity of the illness and reduce the risk of complications, especially for children residing in vitamin A-deficient regions.

Budesonide and Clarithromycin

While Kennedy Jr. has hailed the effectiveness of budesonide and clarithromycin in treating measles, numerous experts have expressed concerns over promoting the unproven benefits of these medications for treating a viral infection.

Daniel Ganjian emphasized that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as standard treatment for measles. While a recent study found no adverse effects from steroid use in measles cases, there is no clear indication for routine use, and their use should not be considered a part of standard care.

Regarding clarithromycin, Ganjian reiterated that antibiotics are primarily used for treating confirmed bacterial infections and not viral ones, like measles.

Protecting Yourself Against Measles

The CDC recommends isolating patients with measles for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. Vaccination, however, remains the most effective preventative measure, with doctors advising getting vaccinated in areas where outbreaks are occurring, particularly if one has not been previously vaccinated or is unsure of vaccination status.

Childhood vaccination is particularly important as they are more susceptible to experiencing severe cases of measles.

Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Daily Requirements

While cod liver oil contains vitamin A, it also includes vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. It is essential to note that excessive consumption of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, potentially causing damage to the body, including liver damage, nausea, and diarrhea.

To avoid the risk of toxicity, one should ensure not to consume more than the recommended daily intake, depending on age. In resource-rich countries, most individuals can meet their daily requirements through regular diets; only specific populations might require supplements.

Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations

Health authorities in the U.S. advise young children to receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult a healthcare professional about receiving one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, administered at least 28 days apart.

In conclusion, the primary scientifically supported treatment for measles involves vitamin A supplementation in cases where deficiency or risk of deficiency is present. Budesonide and clarithromycin play no significant role in standard measles treatment, unless specific clinical indications arise. Vaccination remains the cornerstone for prevention and the control of measles.

1. The current measles outbreak in multiple U.S. states has sparked discussions about potential treatments and preventive measures.
2. The CDC has stressed that vaccination remains the most effective means to protect against measles.
3. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests cod liver oil as a possible preventative for measles, it is crucial to ensure it's not consumed in excessive amounts to prevent vitamin A toxicity.
4. In the wake of the measles outbreak, experts recommend getting vaccinated in affected areas, particularly for those unsure of their vaccination status.
5. The CDC recommends isolating measles patients for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission.
6. Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher have been consulted to delve deeper into the role of vitamin A in treating and preventing measles.
7. Glenn Merlino, an infectious disease expert from New York-Presbyterian Hospital, also expressed concerns about promoting unproven treatments for measles.
8. Measles can lead to complications, especially in children living in vitamin A-deficient regions, which can be alleviated by administering two oral doses of vitamin A.
9. There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles, according to Daniel Ganjian.
10. Clarithromycin is primarily used for treating bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles, as stated by both Daniel Ganjian and Monica Gandhi.
11. Skin-care products containing retinol, a form of vitamin A, are gaining popularity in the fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness communities for their potential benefits.
12. Science has yet to verify the effectiveness of budesonide and clarithromycin in treating measles, creating apprehension among medical professionals.
13. The resurgence of measles draws attention to general news departments, politics, and the role of misinformation in public health crises.
14. Measles vaccines have been modified to improve immunity with fewer side effects, making it easier to get vaccinated and address workplace-wellness.
15. In 2026, the NBA announced a series of therapies-and-treatments and mental-health initiatives to improve the well-being of its players, including supplements like vitamin A.
16. Media coverage of the measles outbreak includes sports-analysis programs discussing the impact of field conditions, nutrition, and well-being on players susceptible to diseases like measles.
17. Thousands of fans attend horse-racing events, such as the grand prix and American horse racing, potentially putting themselves at risk of contracting measles due to close proximity and limited vaccination rates.
18. Sports such as baseball, hockey, golf, and American football require frequent physical contact and shared equipment, increasing the risk of spreading contagious diseases like measles.
19. Sport-betting enthusiasts and spectators at sports events must be conscious of potential measles outbreaks, following proper hygiene practices and wearing masks to minimize risk.
20. As the effects of chronic diseases and cancer on mental health become more widely recognized, various treatments and therapies like supplements and cbd are considered integral to overall health-and-wellness.

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