Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A supplement: Experts clarify its real functions.
In the United States, a significant spike in measles cases has been observed, with over 1,000 confirmed instances across several states. As of May 15, 2025, the outbreak has resulted in three reported deaths and has spread to 30 states [1]. Western Texas and New Mexico have seen the brunt of the latest surge, but measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to stay vigilant [1].
Measles, a long-controlled infectious disease, has experienced a few resurgences. Two major measles outbreaks occurred in the U.S. in the last few decades - the Indiana outbreak of 2005, which was fueled by undervaccination, much like the current outbreak [1].
Recently, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that vitamin A supplements, such as those found in cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may aid in treating measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of protection [2].
Medical News Today spoke with three medical and public health experts to address common questions regarding vitamin A supplements, measles treatment, and prevention strategies. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Dr. Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA provided their insights.
Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune system functioning, and skin health, does not protect against contracting measles. While it plays a role in supporting the immune system, vitamin A deficiency may occur during measles, worsening symptoms [3][2].
Experts have expressed concerns about touting unproven benefits for budesonide and clarithromycin when treating measles. These medications are not recommended as standard treatments for the viral infection [2].
The CDC emphasizes that isolation is crucial for preventing measles transmission, with patients remaining in isolation for four days before and four days after the appearance of the rash [2]. Vaccination remains the most effective measure for protection against measles.
When it comes to vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil, it's crucial to avoid overconsumption to prevent toxicity, which can result in skin and bone damage, liver damage, and other complications. Recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age, with babies and children requiring less and women requiring more [4]. Only certain populations, such as premature infants, and individuals with diseases interfering with dietary absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements to maintain their daily vitamin A intake.
In conclusion, vitamin A supplements are not effective for preventing measles in healthy individuals. While vitamin A may play a role in treatment, particularly for children with concurrent deficiency, it should be given only at recommended dosages and under medical supervision due to the risk of toxicity [3][2]. The MMR vaccine remains the best and safest option for preventing measles and its complications, and maintaining high vaccination rates within communities is essential for herd immunity [5].
References:[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Measles Outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Measles Prevention - Vaccination. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Measles: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/treatment.html[4] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Vitamin A - Pregnant Women. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminATocopherol-HealthProfessional/#qt4[5] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Measles. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
- Despite suggestions of vitamin A supplements, such as those found in cod liver oil, aiding in treating measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still advocates for vaccination as the most effective means of protection.
- The current spike in measles cases in the United States has led to the recommendation of isolation for patients, with them remaining in isolation for four days before and four days after the appearance of the rash, crucial for preventing measles transmission.
- Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune system functioning, and skin health, does not protect against contracting measles, but may play a role in supporting the immune system during the disease, potentially worsening symptoms if deficient.
- Unproven benefits for medications like budesonide and clarithromycin are expressed as concerns when treating measles, with these medications not recommended as standard treatments for the viral infection.
- The MMR vaccine remains the best and safest option for preventing measles and its complications, and maintaining high vaccination rates within communities is essential for herd immunity.
- In the context of health and wellness, avoidance of overconsumption of vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil is crucial to prevent toxicity, which can result in skin and bone damage, liver damage, and other complications, while only certain populations may require supplements to maintain their daily vitamin A intake.
