Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A; experts clarify its real functions.

Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A; experts clarify its real functions.

The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states as of May 15, 2025. Regrettably, three fatalities have been reported. The outbreak, primarily focused in western Texas and New Mexico, has also been recorded in California, New York, and Maryland, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to caution travelers.

Originating from a couple of surges in the past few decades, the outbreak can be attributed to undervaccination. In recent remarks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, mentioned vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, as having shown promising results in the treatment of measles. However, vaccination is still advocated as the primary defense against the infectious disease.

In an attempt to clarify the role of vitamin A and other supplements in the context of measles, Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, another board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

шенThe question of whether vitamin A can prevent or treat measles was addressed by all three experts. They unanimously agreed that while vitamin A is essential for immune system functioning and is found in common foods, it offers no preventive benefits against measles. Moreover, the disease itself can lead to vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms. Nevertheless, treatment with vitamin A in the form of two oral doses can be helpful in severe cases, especially for children under the age of 2.

In regards to budesonide and clarithromycin, there is no substantial evidence supporting their use as standard treatments for measles. Steroids like budesonide are not recommended for routine use in measles management, and their role, if any, in measles treatment requires further research. On the contrary, antibiotics such as clarithromycin are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.

To safeguard against measles, the experts emphasized the importance of adhering to the CDC's guidance. Patients should remain in isolation from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. The best defense against measles remains vaccination, especially for those residing in areas affected by the outbreak.

In the context of vitamin A and cod liver oil, experts pointed out that cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, necessitating moderation in consumption to avoid Vitamin A toxicity. The recommended daily vitamin A intake varies with age, and only certain populations may require supplements to ensure adequate intake. High levels of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, with symptoms including skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and nausea.

Finally, the CDC recommends that young children receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Consult your healthcare provider if you have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, have only had one dose, or are unsure about your vaccination status.

1. With measles cases surpassing 1,000 across 30 states, the United States faces a significant challenge.
2. California, New York, and Maryland have also reported measles cases, adding to the concerns.
3. Undervaccination is considered the cause of the current measles outbreak.
4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, mentioned vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles.
5. Cod liver oil is a source of vitamin A, but moderation is needed to avoid Vitamin A toxicity.
6. In general, vitamin A provides no preventive benefits against measles.
7. Measles can lead to a deficiency in vitamin A, worsening symptoms.
8. In severe cases, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be beneficial for children under 2.
9. Budesonide and clarithromycin have shown no substantial evidence for use in treating measles.
10. Stereoids like budesonide should not be used routinely in measles management.
11. The role of budesonide and clarithromycin in measles treatment needs more research.
12. Antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
13. The CDC recommends isolating measles patients for four days before and after the onset of the rash.
14. Adhering to CDC guidance is crucial to prevent measles transmission.
15. Vaccination is the best defense against measles, especially in affected areas.
16. Cod liver oil also contains vitamin D and fatty acids, so caution should be exercised in its consumption.
17. The recommended daily vitamin A intake varies with age, and only certain populations may require supplements.
18. High levels of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, with symptoms including skin and bone fragility.
19. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is essential for measles prevention.
20. Consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure about your vaccination status, have only had one dose, or have not had it as a child.

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