Measles remains unchecked by Vitamin A; specialists clarify the true effects of this vitamin supplement.
Fresh Take:
Measles cases surge in the U.S., and people are increasingly questioning vitamin A supplements as a treatment option
The American landscape is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 cases reported in 30 states. As of May 15th, 2025, the death toll stands at three, and it seems western Texas and New Mexico are experiencing the brunt of the crisis, along with California, New York, Maryland, and more states yet to be identified.
Recent discussions surrounding vitamin A supplements have intensified due to comments from U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who believes the supplement, found in cod liver oil, can help treat measles. However, it's essential to understand the facts and seek expert advice before relying solely on vitamin A supplements.
Medical News Today reached out to three medical experts to address common questions concerning vitamin A, its potential to treat or prevent measles, and other protective measures.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, explains that while vitamin A supports the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, concur, adding that the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and worsen symptoms.
"When someone has the measles virus, their body can have a vitamin A deficiency," Fisher states. "In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful."
Gandhi highlights that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for adults and children with measles, but it's considered supportive care, not a preventive measure.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Following Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of clarithromycin and budesonide, experts have expressed concerns about their unproven benefits for treating this viral infection. Ganjian notes that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide and routine use in measles management should not be considered a standard of care.
Furthermore, clarithromycin is an antibiotic used only for treating bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
Protecting yourself against measles
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises isolating individuals with measles for four days to prevent transmission. Ganjian highlights that vaccination is the only effective prevention against measles. "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring," Gandhi emphasizes.
If unsure about your vaccination status, consult a healthcare professional.
Caution with Vitamin A supplementation
While cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, consuming high amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body. Gandhi warns that vitamin A can result in toxicity, causing symptoms such as liver damage and skin and bone fragility. Always adhere to daily limits recommended by age to avoid excessive intake.
Stay informed and take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your family during this outbreak.
Notes:- The enrichment data is intended to provide additional insights into vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin's roles in treating and preventing measles. The data highlights the recommended treatment with vitamin A for people diagnosed with measles and authorizes the use of supportive care, not preventive measures. Additionally, the enrichment data clarifies that neither budesonide nor clarithromycin should be used for measles treatment or prevention.- Proper emphasis has been placed on vaccination as the most effective method for preventing measles, while also addressing other protective measures, such as isolating individuals with measles.
- The measles outbreak in the U.S. has reached over 1,000 cases in 30 states, with Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, and Maryland among the affected states.
- As of May 15th, 2025, three deaths have been reported due to the measles outbreak.
- Western Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, and several other states are experiencing a significant increase in measles cases.
- Scientific discussions regarding vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment for measles have intensified.
- U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, can help treat measles.
- Medical experts caution against relying solely on vitamin A supplements without seeking expert advice.
- Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, states that vitamin A supports the immune system but does not protect against infectious diseases like measles.
- Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, agree with Gandhi, adding that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, worsening symptoms.
- According to Fisher, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful for those diagnosed with measles when they have a vitamin A deficiency.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation as supportive care for adults and children with measles, not as a preventive measure.
- While budesonide and clarithromycin have been proposed as potential treatments for measles, there is no evidence to support their use.
- Budesonide should not be used for measles treatment or prevention.
- Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
- The CDC advises isolating individuals with measles for four days to prevent transmission.
- Vaccination is the only effective prevention against measles, especially for those in areas where the outbreak is occurring.
- If unsure about vaccination status, consult a healthcare professional.
- Consuming high amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body.
- Always adhere to daily limits recommended by age to avoid excessive intake of vitamin A to avoid toxicity symptoms such as liver damage and skin and bone fragility. Stay informed and take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your family during the outbreak.
Notes:- The enrichment data emphasizes the recommended treatment with vitamin A for people diagnosed with measles, the use of supportive care instead of preventive measures, and the lack of evidence supporting the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for measles treatment.- Proper emphasis has been placed on vaccination as the most effective method for preventing measles, where vaccination status should be checked, and isolation should be applied for those diagnosed with measles.
