Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; specialists clarify its true functions.
Spotlight on Measles Control and Treatment
In the face of a recent rise in measles cases across the U.S., with over a thousand cases reported across multiple states, the interest in alternative treatment methods has surged. This surge is partially fueled by comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming that vitamin A, steroids, and antibiotics have promising results in dealing with measles. Let's dive into the facts and explore the role of vitamin A in managing measles and preventive measures.
The current measles outbreak, affecting 30 states as of May 15, 2025, has taken a severe toll, with three confirmed deaths. regional areas like western Texas and New Mexico have been particularly hit hard, but measles cases have also emerged in California, New York, Maryland, and numerous other states. Travelers have been advised to exercise caution due to the CDC's warnings.
Measles, traditionally well-controlled, has experienced a few outbreaks in the past few decades, including the 2005 Indiana outbreak, which was primarily due to undervaccination.
Kennedy Jr. suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, steroids like budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin, could be beneficial in treating measles. However, the CDC still advocates for vaccination as the most effective defense against measles.
The Role of Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision and immunity. This fat-soluble vitamin is abundant in foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. While it helps boost the immune system, it does not hold the power to protect against infectious diseases like measles.
All three experts consulted - Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and pediatricians Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher, both at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA - unanimously agreed that vitamin A provides no benefit as a preventive measure.
They stated that although vitamin A does help the immune system, its role in the context of measles is limited to cases where the body may experience a deficiency during the illness itself. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in such situations, especially for children under the age of 2.
Avoiding Misconceptions
Expert opinions have expressed concern regarding overexaggerating the benefits of unproven treatments, such as budesonide and clarithromycin. Budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin are not recommended for measles treatment. The only truly effective method of prevention is vaccination.
Ganijan, a specialist in infectious diseases, emphasized that using budesonide or other steroids should not be considered standard treatment for measles as there is no clear indication supporting their routine use in managing measles cases.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganijan reiterated that antibiotics are only reserved for confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Prevention Strategy
To prevent the spread of measles, the CDC recommends that infected individuals isolate from others for four days after the onset of the rash. Vaccination, aimed at young children aged 12-15 months and administered again at ages 4-6, is the most effective way to halt the outbreak and protect both individuals and communities.
For older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated, a single to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine should be administered, each at least 28 days apart. If uncertain about vaccination history, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and More
Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a complex supplement. Although most people can meet their daily requirements through diet, certain groups, such as premature infants, those with celiac disease, and others with digestive disorders, may benefit from supplements.
Consumption of high amounts of vitamin A can lead to toxic side effects, such as liver damage, skin and bone fragility, headaches, and more. Therefore, it is essential to avoid exceeding recommended daily levels, which depend on age, to prevent toxicity.
In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people can meet their daily requirements through diet. Excessive consumption of vitamin A supplements can be harmful, leading to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, rashes, blurred vision, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and more.
[1] An articledetailing the scientific evidence regarding the use of vitamin A, budesonide, and clarithromycin in the context of measles.[2] Another study offering insight into the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation in severe measles cases.[3] The official CDC website for measles information and vaccination recommendations.
- The surge in interest for alternative measles treatment methods is partially fueled by comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suggests that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, could be beneficial in treating measles.
- Although vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision and immunity, it does not hold the power to protect against infectious diseases like measles, as stated by the consulted experts.
- They unanimously agreed that while vitamin A does help the immune system, its role in the context of measles is limited to cases where the body may experience a deficiency during the illness itself.
- Expert opinions have expressed concern regarding overexaggerating the benefits of unproven treatments such as budesonide and clarithromycin, as these are not recommended for measles treatment.
- The only truly effective method of preventing measles is vaccination, as emphasized by the CDC and the consulted experts.
- For adults who have not been vaccinated, a single to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine should be administered, each at least 28 days apart.
- Excessive consumption of vitamin A supplements can lead to toxic side effects, such as liver damage, skin and bone fragility, headaches, and more, making it essential to avoid exceeding recommended daily levels to prevent toxicity.
