Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the true functions of this nutrient.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, spanning across 30 states, according to data as of May 15, 2025, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and three reported deaths. The recent surge in cases has predominantly affected western Texas and New Mexico, although other states like California, New York, and Maryland have also reported cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise caution, as the disease has proven difficult to control despite historically being manageable. The outbreaks in the United States can be traced back to two major incidents in the past few decades: the Indiana outbreak of 2005, another instance fueled by undervaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may aid in treating measles. However, the CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the most effective means of prevention.
Medical News Today spoke to three experts – Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California – to address common questions about the use of vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention strategies.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Although vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining vision and immune function, the experts confirmed that it does not act as a preventative measure for measles. However, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms.
"While vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not help protect against infectious diseases like measles," explains Dr. Danelle Fisher. "When someone has the measles virus, their body can have a vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful."
Dr. Monica Gandhi stated that the World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation in adults and children diagnosed with measles. Still, she emphasized that severe vitamin A deficiency was reserved for cases occurring in the past and that routine vitamin A supplementation is not necessary in the present context.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Unproven Benefits
After Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, concerns have been raised about promoting unconfirmed benefits for these medications for treating a viral infection.
According to the experts, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles. Limited data exists on the use of budesonide, and further research is needed to clarify its role in measles management, if any.
Regarding clarithromycin, antibiotics are typically reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles. Its use should be limited to cases where there is clear clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
Protection Against Measles
The CDC advises that people are considered contagious from the appearance of the measles rash, necessitating a four-day isolation period from others to prevent transmission.
"Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before and four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission," Dr. Daniel Ganjian said.
Dr. Fisher reiterated that vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing measles. "The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, especially for people residing in areas where outbreaks are occurring."
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Act with Caution
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, which can accumulate in the body if consumed in excess, resulting in vitamin A toxicity. The recommended daily vitamin A intake varies based on age, with infants and children requiring less than adults, particularly women.
Experts recommend that most people can meet their daily requirements through diet. Only certain populations, such as premature infants or individuals with celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements to ensure they receive their daily dose.
Current Measles Vaccination Recommendations
Health authorities in the United States urge young children to receive their first measles vaccination at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Older children, adolescents, and adults who have not been vaccinated should get one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each administered at least 28 days apart.
Individuals who have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, have only received one dose, or are unsure of their vaccination status are advised to speak with their doctor for proper guidance.
Scientific Evidence on Vitamin A, Budesonide, and Clarithromycin for Measles
While vitamin A supplementation can alleviate symptoms and reduce measles mortality, particularly in cases of vitamin A deficiency, it does not prevent the disease. There is no current evidence supporting the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating or preventing measles. Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles.
- The United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states and causing over 1,000 confirmed cases and three reported deaths.
- The outbreak can be traced back to two major incidents in the past few decades, including the 2005 Indiana outbreak.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin could aid in treating measles.
- Experts, however, confirm that vitamin A does not prevent measles but can help alleviate symptoms in those with the disease.
- The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for adults and children diagnosed with measles, but routine supplementation is not necessary.
- There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide or other steroids for measles treatment.
- Clarithromycin should only be used to treat bacterial infections in cases where there is clear clinical evidence.
- Measles patients should isolate for four days before and after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission.
- Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing measles, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
- Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, which can accumulate in the body if consumed in excess.
- Experts recommend meeting daily vitamin A requirements through diet, with certain populations like premature infants or those with celiac disease or Crohn's disease needing supplements.
- Health authorities recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for unvaccinated individuals, each administered at least 28 days apart.
- Individuals unsure of their vaccination status are advised to consult their doctor for proper guidance.
- In the context of health and wellness, science, and medical-conditions, understanding the role of vitamin A supplements, budesonide, and clarithromycin in measles treatment is crucial.
- This discussion about the outbreak, prevention strategies, and potential treatments highlights the importance of data, research, and evidence in our understanding of chronic diseases and the broader health-and-wellness, finance, technology, education-and-self-development, and general-news landscape.
