Measles prevention not assured by Vitamin A; experts clarify its genuine functions.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, reaching 30 states and causing three reported fatalities as of May 15, 2025. The most recent spike in cases has been predominantly observed in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional reports coming from California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise caution.
Measles historically has been an effectively controlled infectious disease, barring a few surges. Notable outbreaks occurred in the U.S. notably in 2005, in Indiana, with both events stemming from under-vaccination.
Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, have sparked renewed interest in the potential benefits of vitamin A supplements in the treatment and prevention of measles. However, medical experts interviewed by Medical News Today advised that while vitamin A aids the immune system, it does not offer protection against infections like measles.
Three experts—Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, M.D., FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA—shared their insights on the efficacy of vitamin A supplements, and measures people can take to reduce the risk of measles exposure.
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin found in common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, can help improve immune system functionality and vision. Although it offers no preventive benefits against measles, it can help alleviate vitamin A deficiencies caused by the disease itself. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can potentially improve outcomes for children, particularly those under two years old, according to the World Health Organization.
Regarding the use of other medications such as budesonide and clarithromycin, experts have expressed concern about promoting unproven benefits for the treatment of a viral infection like measles. Budesonide, a steroid, has shown no clear indications for routine use in measles management, according to experts, while the use of clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is limited to treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
To minimize the risk of measles, individuals should practice isolation during the contagious period, as the CDC advises that people are considered contagious from the onset of the measles rash. Vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure against the disease, especially for those living or traveling in areas experiencing outbreaks. People who have not been vaccinated, those who have had only one dose, or those unsure about their vaccination status, should consult a healthcare professional.
Although cod liver oil contains vitamin A, experts do not recommend its use for preventing or treating measles due to its high levels of vitamin A and D, which can cause toxicity if ingested in excess. Overconsumption of vitamin A can lead to various health issues, including liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and other complications. As such, it is crucial to ensure that doses do not exceed daily limits, especially for children.
updated: May 16, 2025.
- The recent surge in measles cases in the United States, especially in western Texas and New Mexico, has sparked a debate about the potential benefits of vitamin A supplements in the treatment and prevention of the disease.
- In the health and wellness sector, there has been renewed interest in food and food benefits, specifically the role of vitamin A in immune system support, following the measles outbreak.
- Scientific research suggests that while vitamin A aids the immune system and vision, it does not offer protection against infections like measles.
- Amidst the measles outbreak, experts have expressed concerns about promoting unproven benefits for the treatment of the virus with medications like budesonide and clarithromycin.
- For those seeking to reduce the risk of measles exposure, experts recommend vaccination, isolation during the contagious period, and consulting a healthcare professional if unsure about vaccination status.
- Despite cod liver oil containing vitamin A, experts advise against its use for preventing or treating measles due to its high levels of vitamin A and D, which can cause health issues if overconsumed.
