Measles isn't prevented by Vitamin A. Professionals give insights into the true functions of this nutrient.
The Recent Surge in Measles Cases Across the U.S.: What's the Deal with Vitamin A Supplements?
The United States is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, spreading across 30 states, with tragic consequences - as of May 15, 2025, there have been over 1,000 cases and 3 documented deaths. The epidemic has been particularly active in western Texas and New Mexico, but measles cases have also been detected in California, New York, Maryland, and other areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sounded an alert for travelers to stay vigilant.
Measles has historically been an easily controlled infectious disease, except for a few outbreaks. The U.S. has seen two major measles outbreaks in recent years - both fueled by undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has mentioned vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin, asserting that they have shown promise in managing measles. However, the CDC still advocates vaccination as the best defense against the disease.
To delve deeper into the matter, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts. Here's what they had to say about vitamin A supplements for measles and the measures people can take to prevent the disease's spread.
Vitamin A: Friend or Foe?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision and immune system function. It is present in a variety of foods, such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and certain vegetables," Dr. Danelle Fisher explained.
However, all three experts agreed that vitamin A offers no preventive benefits against measles. It might even worsen the disease when the body is already infected, causing vitamin A deficiency.
"While vitamin A aids the immune system, it doesn't protect against infectious diseases like measles. In the presence of the measles virus, the body can suffer from vitamin A deficiency," Fisher said. Nevertheless, treatment with two doses of Vitamin A can be helpful when deficiency is detected in patients with measles.
Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, concurred, describing vitamin A supplementation for children as "supportive care." A Cochrane review confirmed the recommendation of two doses of Vitamin A for children, particularly those under the age of 2 years old, when dealing with severe measles.
A Word on Budesonide and Clarithromycin
After Kennedy Jr. lauded the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, concerns have been raised about promoting unproven benefits of these medications for a viral infection.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian cautioned, "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, their usage shouldn't be considered routine."
On the topic of clarithromycin, Ganjian reiterated that antibiotics are intended for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
In summary, while vitamin A can be helpful in easing complications of measles under medical guidance, it does not prevent measles. The MMR vaccine remains the primary means of defense against the disease. There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide or clarithromycin in measles management. Stay vaccinated to protect yourself and your community!
- While a variety of foods, such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and certain vegetables, contain vitamin A, this nutrient offers no preventive benefits against measles.
- Dr. Danelle Fisher, a medical expert, explained that while vitamin A aids the immune system, it doesn't protect against infectious diseases like measles. In the presence of the measles virus, the body can suffer from vitamin A deficiency.
- Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, concurred, describing vitamin A supplementation for children as "supportive care." A Cochrane review confirmed the recommendation of two doses of Vitamin A for children, particularly those under the age of 2 years old, when dealing with severe measles.
- Dr. Daniel Ganjian cautioned that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, their usage shouldn't be considered routine.
- Antibiotics, like clarithromycin, are intended for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
