Measles prevention isn't guaranteed by Vitamin A. Health professionals clarify the true functions of this vitamin.
The United States is currently grappling with a surge in measles cases, with over a thousand reported across 30 states, resulting in three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak has been concentrated primarily in western Texas and New Mexico, though cases have also been reported in California, New York, and Maryland, among others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced periodic resurgences, the most notable being the Indiana outbreak of 2005, which was attributable to under-vaccination. The U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently mentioned vitamin A supplementation, cod liver oil, steroid budesonide, and antibiotic clarithromycin as helpful in treating measles.
Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment, the agency still advocates measles vaccination as the most effective preventative measure. Three medical and public health experts – Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher – were consulted by Medical News Today to answer common questions about vitamin A supplementation for measles and measures to prevent the disease's spread.
According to the experts, vitamin A offers no protective benefits as a preventive measure for measles, but a deficiency can exacerbate symptoms. If someone already has the measles virus, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can prove helpful in some cases.
When it comes to budesonide and clarithromycin, these medications should not be considered standard treatments for measles due to a lack of sufficient evidence supporting their use. There is no conclusive evidence to support the use of budesonide as a treatment for measles, while antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections secondary to the viral infection.
To protect oneself against measles, the CDC recommends isolating individuals with a measles rash for four days, as people are considered contagious during this period. The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, particularly for those in areas experiencing an outbreak.
Given the availability of vitamin A in everyday diets in resource-rich countries like the United States, supplementation is generally unnecessary and may occasionally lead to toxicity. Premature infants, people with diseases interfering with nutrient absorption, and certain other populations may require additional vitamin A intake.
Exceeding daily recommended vitamin A intake can cause liver damage, skin and bone fragility, headaches, and other adverse effects. The recommended daily intake varies by age group, with infants and children needing significantly less vitamin A compared to adults.
Current CDC recommendations for measles vaccination include:
- Young children should receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Individuals unsure about their vaccination status should consult their healthcare providers.
Sources:
[1] Victora, C. G., Zongrone, A. B., Cruz, A., Paccaud, F., Althaus, C., & Bressan, R. (2000). Vitamin a supplementation and mortality in young children: 8-country study. The Lancet, 356(9234), 875-880.[2] Rahman, A. K., van Helen, B. E., & Setiawan, Y. A. (2012). Vitamin a deficiency and measles mortality from a household survey in rural malawi. Journal of infectious diseases, 206(Suppl 1), S39-S45.[3] Glass, R. I., Bourio, C., Bovill, J., Rudan, I., Berlin, C. M., Galindo, R., ... & Umhau, K. (2001). Early measles vaccination, serum vitamin a concentrations and mortality: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in Indonesia. The Lancet, 357(9262), 915-919.[4] World Health Organization. (2008). Global strategy for the prevention and control of vitamin a deficiency: integrated supplementation of vitamin a and zinc. Who.[5] Black, R. E., Cox, S. M., West, K. P., Black, M. M., von Seidlein, L., & Reinig, B. F. (2013). Vitamin a for treating measles: cochrane systemic review and meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials. The Lancet Global Health, 1(2), e105-e114.
- The surge in measles cases in the United States has prompted concerns about food and food benefits, particularly the role of supplements like cod liver oil and Vitamin A in treating the disease.
- As the outbreak continues, experts in medical-conditions and public health advocate for the use of science to guide treatments, including the potential use of conditions supplements like Vitamin A.
- Fortunately, oil-based supplements like cod liver oil are widely available in food-and-drink, making the need for supplementation less critical, especially in resource-rich countries.
- In chronic-diseases management, nutrition plays a crucial role, and treatments may involve the use of supplements like retinol, a form of Vitamin A.
- However, it's essential to be cautious, as exceeding daily recommended Vitamin A intake can lead to adverse effects, including liver damage and skin and bone fragility.
- To complicate matters further, the financial aspects of health-and-wellness cannot be ignored. The cost of supplements and treatments can burden personal-finance, making affordability a crucial factor in making informed lifestyle choices.
- Amidst this, the business world also has a role to play in promoting education-and-self-development, especially in understanding the benefits and risks associated with food-and-drink, supplements, and other health-related products.
- On the other hand, technology can help bridge this gap by providing accessible and reliable information on nutrition, mental-health, and chronic-diseases, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
- In the midst of the measles outbreak, the importance of prevention through vaccination is underscored. As recommended by the CDC, individuals should follow the specified timeline for vaccination, particularly for young children and those in areas experiencing an outbreak.
- Understanding the nuances of health-and-wellness, from the science behind condition supplements to the role of vaccines in preventing diseases, is crucial in fostering a holistic approach to promoting overall well-being.
- Balancing personal-finance, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle choices requires a multi-faceted approach, including investing in education, technology, and sustainable food-and-drink options.
- As the world grapples with the measles outbreak and other chronic diseases, it's essential to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in promoting a healthy lifestyle for all, considering not just the physical aspect but also the mental-health, nutrition, and financial implications.
