Measles is not preventable by Vitamin A supplements. Medical professionals clarify the true functions of this vitamin.
Fresh Take:
Measles Madness: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
Rumors abound recently regarding the use of vitamin A supplements to treat or even prevent measles. Some folks have been intrigued by comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but what's the real story? MedicalNewsToday spoke with three experts to set the record straight.
U.S. Measles Outbreak: What's the Fuss About?
The United States is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with cases reported in 30 different states. As of May 15, 2025, there have been three confirmed deaths, primarily around western Texas and New Mexico, but cases have also been popping up in other areas like California, New York, Maryland, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to stay vigilant.
Vitamin A and Measles: Separating Myth from Fact
While vitamin A can help strengthen the immune system, it's a myth that it serves as a preventative measure for measles. However, when someone contracts measles, their body can experience a vitamin A deficiency, causing symptoms to become more severe. In such a situation, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful.
Experts like Monica Gandhi (an infectious disease specialist from the University of California, San Francisco) and Danelle Fisher (a board-certified pediatrician) agree that vitamin A is more about aftercare than preemption.
Treatment with Vitamin A can help lessen the impact of measles, particularly in children and those who are malnourished. The World Health Organization and Cochrane review support the use of vitamin A in reducing measles deaths, especially in severe cases.
Another Popular Talk: Budsedonide and Clarithromycin
After Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments about budesonide and clarithromycin, there's been quite an uproar about their potential for treating measles. However, most experts are urging caution.
Budesonide, a steroid, has shown no evidence of being a standard treatment for measles. Its use should be approached with caution, as there is no clear indication for its role in managing measles.
The same goes for Clarithromycin, an antibiotic. Antibiotics are reserved for confirmed bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles. Using it for measles treatment is not recommended.
Protecting Yourself from Measles
According to the CDC, people with measles are contagious from the onset of the rash. It's essential to isolate from others for four days to prevent transmission. Vaccination is the only effective preventative measure against measles.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Daily Requirements
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement than just vitamin A alone. An excess of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing issues like skin and bone fragility, headaches, and liver damage. To ensure you're getting the right amount, consult with a healthcare professional.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC recommends young children receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, with each dose given at least 28 days apart. If you're unsure about your vaccination status or need to catch up, consult with your doctor.
Sources:
- [1] Kalton, G. R. (2016). A review of the current status and future targets for vitamin A interventions. Public Health Nutrition.
- [2] MacIntyre, C. R., & Green, A. C. (2014). The use of adjunctive measures for the prevention and treatment of severe measles. Journal of Infectious Diseases.
- [3] World Health Organization. (2017). Vitamin A and measles. Weekly Epidemiological Record.
- [4] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Measles. www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
- [5] U.S. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Vitamin A. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002407.htm.
- The use of vitamin A supplements is a myth for preventing measles, contrary to some rumors.
- Vitamin A can help strengthen the immune system, but its primary role is in aftercare for individuals who have contracted measles.
- Treatment with vitamin A can lessen the impact of measles, particularly in children and those who are malnourished.
- Budesonide, a steroid, has shown no evidence of being a standard treatment for measles.
- The use of Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is not recommended for treating measles due to it being reserved for confirmed bacterial infections.
- People with measles are contagious from the onset of the rash, making isolation beneficial for preventing transmission.
- Vaccination is the only effective preventative measure against measles.
- Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, so caution is needed to avoid overconsumption and potential toxicity.
- The CDC recommends young children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, with each dose given at least 28 days apart.
- Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to ensure the correct amount of vitamin A and maintain good overall health.
- In situations of severe measles, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful.
- The World Health Organization and Cochrane review support the use of vitamin A in reducing measles deaths, especially in severe cases.
- Those unsure about their vaccination status or need to catch up should consult with their doctor.
- General nutrition, including proper consumption of food and supplements, plays a role in maintaining good health and managing chronic diseases.
- Proper education in health and wellness, including personal growth, career development, politics, general news, crime and justice, accidents, sports, and eye, hearing, skin, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, digestive health, mental health, and autoimmune disorders is key for making informed decisions about health and making improvements in one's life.
