Measles prevention isn't guaranteed by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the actual functions of this nutrient.
Fresh Take:
- America's dealing with a measly situation, baby! Over a thousand measles cases have popped up in multiple states, gosh darn it.*
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent remarks have folks pondering vitamin A supplements as a measles treatment or preventative measure.*
- To separate facts from fiction, we chatted up three medical and public health experts to provide insights on vitamin A, measles, and prevention strategies.*
The United States is facing a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states as of May 15, 2025, with three tragic deaths. This recent surge in cases has largely impacted western Texas and New Mexico, although measles cases have also emerged in California, New York, Maryland, and more.*
Measles, once under control, has experienced a couple of major outbreaks in recent years, fueled by undervaccination. The U.S. has experienced two major incidents, including the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. It's clear that vaccination is crucial.*
Following Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement, some have suggested vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, as a potential measles treatment. Although the CDC considers vitamin A a possible treatment, it still advocates for vaccination as "solid defense".*
So, what's the story with vitamin A supplements? Well, vitamin A aids our vision and immune system. The experts we spoke to said it offers no preventative benefits but that measles itself can lead to vitamin A deficiency and worsen symptoms.```Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH: "While it does help the immune system, vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like 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."
Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP: "Although it does help the immune system, vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like 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."```
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Questionable Help
- After Kennedy Jr. advocated for the use of two medications – the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin – treating measles, experts have voiced concerns about touting their unproven benefits.Regarding clarithromycin, it's important to note that antibiotics, including clarithromycin, are reserved for addressing bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
Defend Yourself against Measles
- Isolation is your best protection against measles. According to the CDC, patients are contagious from when the measles rash appears.Fisher emphasized that vaccination remains the ultimate prevention method.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Know Your Limits
- Experts have warned that ingesting excessive amounts of Vitamin A can cause damage to the body.Nevertheless, most people meet their daily requirements through diet, and by consuming vitamin A supplements in moderation, people ensure they get the nutrients they need.
It's Vaccination Time!
- As the CDC stresses, vaccination is the best and most effective method for preventing measles.```Meanwhile, older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
If you're uncertain about your vaccination status, it's essential to consult your doctor.
- The current measles outbreak in the United States, as of May 15, 2025, has impacted 30 states with tragic fatalities.
- Measles, initially under control, has experienced resurgence due to undervaccination, with two major outbreaks occurring recently.
- Vitamin A aids vision and the immune system, but offers no preventative benefits against measles. However, it can help address vitamin A deficiency caused by measles, potentially alleviating symptoms.
- Budesonide, a steroid, has questionable benefits for treating measles, as there's no clear evidence supporting its use as a standard treatment.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is reserved for bacterial infections and does not address viral diseases like measles.
- Isolation is the most effective protection against measles, with patients being contagious from when the measles rash appears.
- Vaccination is the ultimate prevention method for measles, especially in areas experiencing an outbreak.
- Moderation is key when consuming vitamin A supplements, as excessive amounts can lead to toxicity and various health issues, but most people meet their daily requirements through routine diet.
