Measles resistance not guaranteed by Vitamin A consumption: Specialists clarify its true functions
Fresh Article:
Measles outbreaks in the U.S. – An update with insights into vitamin A supplements
A recent spike in measles cases across the United States has caught the attention of numerous individuals and public health agencies. As of May 15, 2025, over 1,000 cases have been reported in at least 30 states, resulting in several unfortunate fatalities. While the CDC recommends the measles vaccine, interest in vitamin A supplements has been growing due to statements made by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The outbreak has primarily been centered around western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. Travelers are advised by the CDC to exercise vigilance during travel. The U.S., while historically successful in controlling measles, has experienced two significant outbreaks in recent decades – the Indiana outbreak of 2005, and previous surges. Both events were linked to under-vaccination.
Kennedy Jr. has voiced his support for vitamin A, commonly found in supplements such as cod liver oil, steroids like budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin for their apparent positive results in aiding measles cases. The CDC does list vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, yet still advocates for vaccination as a more effective countermeasure against the disease.
Three medical and public health experts – Monica Gandhi (MD, MPH, UCSF), Daniel Ganjian (MD, FAAP, Providence Saint John's Health Center), and Danelle Fisher (MD, FAAP, Providence Saint John's Health Center) – shared their insights with Medical News Today to address common concerns and offer advice on how to prevent the spread of measles.
Can vitamin A supplements prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays an essential role in vision and the functioning of the immune system. Though vitamin A aids the immune system, it does not prevent the onset of infectious diseases like measles. On the other hand, the disease itself may cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms if left untreated.
Ganijan explained that supportive care, including vitamin A supplementation, is particularly significant in children with severe cases of measles. Still, it should not be considered a preventative measure for measles as there is no evidence to support such a claim.
Budesonide and clarithromycin have been suggested for treating measles by Kennedy Jr., but most medical professionals remain skeptical about the unproven benefits of these medications for a viral infection like measles. Ganijan stressed that there is no evidence to support the routine use of budesonide in the management of measles, while clarithromycin is not recommended for treating measles itself as it is an antibiotic reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections.
Protecting Yourself against Measles
People become contagious with measles as soon as the rash appears, according to the CDC. Measles patients should isolate for four days before and four days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines.
On a brighter note, vaccination is the only effective method for preventing measles. Gandhi emphasized that vitamin A is not a preventative measure for measles and should not be taken in lieu of vaccination, especially in areas where outbreaks are prevalent.
[1] - https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001492[2] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2746366/[3] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4626837/[4] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562065/[5] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579784/
- In the current discourse on measles outbreaks in the US, there is an increasing focus on vitamin A supplements such as retinol, commonly found in cod liver oil, due to statements made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary has advocated for vitamin A, steroids like budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin as potential aids for measles cases, but their unproven benefits for a viral infection like measles have raised skepticism among medical professionals.
- Three experts: Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher, shared insights with Medical News Today on the role of vitamin A supplements in preventing or treating measles, addressing common concerns, and offering advice on prevention.
- While vitamin A plays an essential role in vision and the functioning of the immune system, it does not prevent the onset of infectious diseases like measles.
- Supportive care, including vitamin A supplementation, is particularly significant in children with severe cases of measles, but it should not be considered a preventative measure for measles as there is no evidence to support such a claim.
- Fitness and exercise, coupled with a balanced nutrition that includes food and food benefits like retinol, can contribute to overall health and wellness, but they are not considered preventative measures for chronic diseases such as measles.
- In the realm of education and self-development, understanding science and medical-conditions is crucial for making informed decisions about health, personal growth, career development, and general news topics such as the current measles outbreak.
- Mental health is another aspect of wellness that is heavily impacted by stressors like crime and justice, politics, and learning about a public health crisis like the measles outbreak.
- Fish, a source of essential oil and nutrition, contributes to a balanced diet and can positively influence health outcomes, but it is not a cure for chronic diseases such as measles or cancer.
- Conditions supplements like vitamin A and other therapeutic agents may have their place in the management of certain medical-conditions, but they should not be relied upon as a primary means of prevention or treatment without scientific evidence and professional guidance.
