Measles can't be prevented through Vitamin A consumption. Specialists clarify the function of this vitamin.

Measles can't be prevented through Vitamin A consumption. Specialists clarify the function of this vitamin.

It's been a hot topic lately as measles cases have been on the rise in the US, with over 1,000 reported across multiple states. And with comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggesting that vitamin A supplements could potentially treat or prevent this infection, many folks have been asking questions. Medical News Today got the scoop from three medical and public health experts to help shed some light on whether popping those vitamin A pills may be a good idea, and what else people can do to protect themselves and their community.

Let's dive into the deets. The ol' measles outbreak has been spreading to 30 states as of May 15, 2025, and unfortunately, there have been three confirmed deaths. The most recent spike in cases seems to be centered around western Texas and New Mexico, but measles cases have also popped up in California, New York, Maryland, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning for travelers to stay vigilant.

It's worth noting that measles used to be a well-controlled infectious disease, with only a few surges here and there. The US experienced two major measles outbreaks in recent history: the 2005 Indiana outbreak and the 1990s outbreak. Both of these events were fueled by under-vaccination.

So what's the deal with vitamin A supplements and measles? Kennedy Jr. has suggested that they might be useful, along with cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin. But what do the experts say?

The CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, but they still recommend vaccination as the gold-standard protection. "Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and is commonly found in foods like eggs, fish, dairy products, and green and orange veggies," explained Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.

But, the experts unanimously agreed that vitamin A does absolutely nada to ward off measles when used as a preventive measure. However, when someone does contract measles, their body can experience a vitamin A deficiency, which can make symptoms more severe. Treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful in these situations.

Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician, added, "While it helps the immune system, vitamin A does not prevent infectious diseases like measles."

When it comes to budesonide and clarithromycin, the experts have expressed some concern about touting their unproven benefits for treating measles. There is no established evidence to support the use of budesonide and clarithromycin for measles, and the CDC recommends that antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used if there's clear evidence of a secondary bacterial infection and not for prophylactic or routine therapy.

So how can you protect yourself against measles? The best and most effective method is, you guessed it, getting vaccinated. If you're in an area where the outbreak is happening, such as western Texas or New Mexico, health authorities advise that young children receive their first dose between 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Meanwhile, older children, teens, and adults who haven't been vaccinated yet should get one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.

It's essential to remember that cod liver oil is a complex supplement that contains not only vitamin A, but also vitamin D and fatty acids. While it's generally safe for most people, it's crucial not to consume too much vitamin A, as it can cause toxicity and damage to the body.

It's also worth noting that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, not vitamin A supplements. So, grab those MMR shots and keep yourself and your loved ones safe!

1. The measles outbreak in the US has spread to 30 states as of May 15, 2025, causing three confirmed deaths.
2. The CDC has issued a traveler alert, urging caution amidst the measles outbreak.
3. Measles used to be under control, but recent surges, such as the 2005 Indiana outbreak and the 1990s outbreak, have been linked to under-vaccination.
4. Dr. Monica Gandhi explains that vitamin A, found in foods like eggs, fish, and veggies, supports the immune system.
5. However, vitamin A does not prevent measles when used as a preventive measure.
6. When someone has measles, their body can experience a vitamin A deficiency, which can worsen symptoms.
7. Two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful in such situations.
8. Dr. Daniel Ganjian notes that while vitamin A helps the immune system, it does not prevent infectious diseases like measles.
9. The experts caution against touting the unproven benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles.
10. The CDC recommends antibiotics like clarithromycin only if there's evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, not for routine therapy.
11. Getting vaccinated is the most effective method to protect against measles.
12. In areas with outbreaks, such as western Texas or New Mexico, health authorities recommend vaccinating young children between 12-15 months and older children, teens, and adults who haven't been vaccinated yet.
13. Cod liver oil, a complex supplement with vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, is generally safe but excessive vitamin A consumption can lead to toxicity.
14. The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, not vitamin A supplements.
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