Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A. Experts clarify the true effects of this supplement.
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The United States has seen a surge in measles cases, with over a thousand cases reported in various states as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak has claimed three lives already, and a recent increase in cases is centred around western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other locations. Travelers are advised to be cautious due to the CDC's warnings.
Historically, measles has been a well-controlled infectious disease, but recent incidents like the one in 2005, primarily fuelled by undervaccination, have highlighted the importance of vaccination.
Recent remarks by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, have led to an increased interest in vitamin A supplements. Kennedy Jr. suggests that vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, the steroid budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin, may aid in treating or preventing measles.
However, medical experts urge caution, citing a lack of solid evidence to support the assertions made by Kennedy Jr. The CDC stresses the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against measles.
Can Vitamins Help?
Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision and a robust immune system. Sources of vitamin A include dairy products, fish, eggs, orange and green vegetables, and cod liver oil. Nevertheless, experts agree that vitamin A does not offer protection against measles. While the disease can induce vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms, taking vitamin A supplements beforehand does not prevent measles.
"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," explains Danelle Fisher, MD.
What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
Claims regarding the benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for measles treatment are unproven, and their use should not be advocated without solid evidence. Budesonide is typically employed for treating respiratory conditions, while clarithromycin is an antibiotic reserved for bacterial infections, not viral infections such as measles.
Best Measures to Protect Yourself
Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before and four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. Isolation is crucial to reduce the spread.
"The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring," recommends Monica Gandhi, MD.
Vaccination is the most effective means of protecting oneself and others from the disease. If you are unsure about your vaccination status, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Safety Guidelines
Although cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, consuming large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, posing risks to the liver, bones, and skin. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A varies depending on age, and most individuals can meet their daily needs through their diet.
In summary, while vitamin A might be beneficial in treating measles-induced deficiencies, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for vaccination. Claims regarding the benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for measles prevention or treatment lack scientific backing. Vaccination is the most effective means of protecting oneself and others from the disease.
Medical News Today spoke to infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi, pediatrician Daniel Ganjian, and pediatrician Danelle Fisher to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and recommendations regarding vitamins and medications for measles.
[Enrichment information: The WHO recommends two doses of Vitamin A for children (especially under 2 years old) with severe measles. Budesonide is typically used for treating respiratory conditions. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, and it is not advisable for viral infections like measles. The CDC recommends vaccination as the most effective means of preventing measles. Vaccination enhances the response to the measles vaccine in malnourished children and reduces complications such as pneumonia and blindness in children diagnosed with measles.]
- Despite the surge in measles cases, medical experts emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense.
- The recent measles outbreak has been centered in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases in California, New York, Maryland, and other locations.
- Travelers are advised to be cautious due to the CDC's warnings regarding the measles outbreak.
- Historically, measles has been a well-controlled infectious disease, but recent outbreaks, like the one in 2005, have highlighted the importance of vaccination.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent remarks about vitamin A supplements have sparked interest in their potential use in treating or preventing measles.
- Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision and a robust immune system, with sources including dairy products, fish, eggs, orange and green vegetables, and cod liver oil.
- Experts agree that vitamin A does not offer protection against measles, despite claims that it may help treat or prevent the disease.
- While measles can induce vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms, taking vitamin A supplements beforehand does not prevent measles.
- The CDC stresses the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against measles, citing a lack of solid evidence to support the use of vitamin A supplements.
- Budesonide, typically used for treating respiratory conditions, and clarithromycin, an antibiotic reserved for bacterial infections, have unproven benefits for measles treatment.
- Their use for measles should not be advocated without solid evidence, as they are not designed for viral infections like measles.
- Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before and four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission.
- Isolation is crucial to reduce the spread of measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent measles, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
- If you are unsure about your vaccination status, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
- Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, but consuming large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, posing risks to the liver, bones, and skin.
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin A varies depending on age, and most individuals can meet their daily needs through their diet.
- Vaccination is the most effective means of protecting oneself and others from measles, according to a comprehensive understanding provided by infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi, pediatrician Daniel Ganjian, and pediatrician Danelle Fisher.
