Supplementing with Vitamin A doesn't shield you from measles. Experts clarify its true functions.
Let's dive into the resurgence of measles in the US and what you can do to protect yourself
The measles outbreak in the US has been on the rise, impacting over a thousand individuals across more than 30 states as of May 15, 2025. Sadly, the numbers include three confirmed deaths. The virus has been largely contained in the past, but recent surges, like the 2005 Indiana outbreak, are primarily attributed to undervaccination.
The western states of Texas and New Mexico have been the epicenter of this latest outbreak, but measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, and Maryland, and other parts of the country. In light of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued traveler alerts to remain vigilant.
Recently, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, as possible treatments for measles. While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment, they still strongly advocate for vaccination as the most effective means of prevention.
Curious about vitamin A supplements and how to protect yourself from measles? Medical News Today spoke with three medical and public health experts to shed light on this topic.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
"Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune system functioning," explains Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. While vitamin A helps support the immune system, it does not prevent viral infections like measles. In fact, the disease itself can lead to vitamin A deficiencies, causing an exacerbation of symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial during severe measles cases, but prevention requires vaccination.
What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
Secretary Kennedy Jr. has also touted the benefits of two medications - steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin - for treating measles. However, there's limited evidence supporting their use for this viral infection. Budesonide has no established role in measles management, and antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
Patients with measles are contagious the moment the rash appears. To prevent transmission, they should isolate for four days before and after the onset of the rash, as advised by major guidelines. Vaccination is the only effective measure to protect against measles. For those who haven't been vaccinated, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What to Know
Cod liver oil, which contains high levels of vitamin A, should be consumed mindfully. Excess vitamin A can result in toxicity, leading to various health issues such as liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and headaches. Most people can obtain the recommended daily intake of vitamin A through their diets, but certain populations may require supplementation.
Enough about vitamin A. The best way to protect yourself from measles is through vaccination. Speak to your healthcare provider if you're unsure about your immunization status or if you need to be vaccinated. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay healthy!
- The recent resurgence of measles in the US, currently affecting more than a thousand individuals, has also led to discussions about alternative treatments, such as vitamin A supplements like cod liver oil.
- In the discourse regarding measles treatments, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, and two medications - steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin - for treatment.
- While Secretary Kennedy Jr. advocates for these treatments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still maintains that vaccination is the most effective means of prevention, considering there's limited evidence supporting the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles.
- Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, explains that vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune system functioning, doesn't prevent viral infections like measles.
- In severe cases of measles, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial, but prevention requires vaccination, confirming its irreplaceable role in protecting against measles.
- Since patients with measles are contagious the moment the rash appears, it's essential to isolate them for four days before and after the onset of the rash, as advised by major guidelines.
- Vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, should be consumed mindfully as excess vitamin A can lead to toxicity, resulting in various health issues.
- To combat the measles outbreak, staying informed, remaining vigilant, and prioritizing vaccination are essential elements for staying healthy and protected.
- The field of health and wellness, encompassing nutrition, education, self-development, and mental health, plays a significant role in staying informed about medical-conditions, chronic diseases, and respiratory conditions like measles.
- For those who haven't been vaccinated against measles or are unsure about their immunization status, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and potentially necessary vaccinations.
