Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its true functions

Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; Experts clarify its true functions

Let's Dish on Measles, Vitamins, and Prevention

Sick of it Already! Measles cases are on the rise in the US, with over 1,000 cases in various states. Facing this increasing threat, some folks have turned to vitamin A supplements, as suggested by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in the hope it'll help treat or prevent measles. But not so fast! To clear up any confusion, let's have a candid chat with three medical and public health experts on vitamin A supplements, measles, and ways to protect ourselves from this pesky disease.

The Current Scene

The measles outbreak has impacted 30 states, with three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025. Cases seem to be concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, but they've also been spotted in California, New York, Maryland, and more. Travelers are being warned to be vigilant [1].

Measles used to be well-controlled, but it's seeing a resurgence. Two significant outbreaks, the one in Indiana in 2005, and another unnamed event, were driven by undervaccination.

Vitamin A: Myth or Fact?

"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids vision and the immune system. It's found in common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange and green vegetables, as well as cod liver oil. But will it save you from measles?" poses Danelle Fisher, MD.

In reality, all three experts agree that vitamin A does not offer preventative benefits against measles. However, the disease can cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe.

"While it bolsters the immune system, vitamin A doesn't protect against infectious diseases like measles. When you have the measles virus, your body may experience a vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help," explains Fisher [1].

Daniel Ganjian, MD, supports this statement, acknowledging that despite vitamin A's role in immune function, it is not a magic weapon against measles.

So, where exactly does vitamin A fit in the measles picture? Well, as Monica Gandhi, MD, succinctly puts it, "Vitamin A helps addresses a deficiency that can occur due to measles, but it is no substitute for vaccination [3]."

But What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently touted the unproven benefits of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles. Budesonide is a steroid, while clarithromycin is an antibiotic. Ganjian addresses concerns surrounding their use in treating measles.

"There is no solid evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles. A recent review found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, but there is no clear indication for routine use in measles management [4]," explains Ganjian.

Regarding clarithromycin, Ganjian clarifies that antibiotics are meant for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Fisher emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the only effective way to prevent measles.

"[V]itamin A may aid recovery in infected individuals, but it is not preventive. Therefore, there's no reason to take it to prevent measles [3]."

So, what should you do if you're not vaccinated or need a booster shot? Experts advise speaking with your doctor and getting vaccinated, particularly if you live in an outbreak area like western Texas or New Mexico [3].

Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Know the Facts

"Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D, making it a complex supplement. While it may seem like a convenient source of vitamins, it's essential to understand both their benefits and risks," explains Gandhi.

Vitamin A can cause harm if taken in excessive amounts, which is why it's crucial to be mindful of the dosage. Both Fisher and Gandhi emphasize the need to avoid surpassing recommended daily levels, depending on age [3][5].

In Conclusion

While vitamin A supplements can prove beneficial in combating vitamin A deficiency resulting from measles, they don't function as a preventative measure against the disease. Opt for vaccination as the best defense against measles. And, if you're interested in trying cod liver oil, be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive vitamin A consumption.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let's nip this measles outbreak in the bud!

References:[1] Medical News Today Staff. (2022, December 08). Vitamin A for measles prevention and treatment: Does it work? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326584

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, December 08). Measles: Transmission and spread. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/transmission.html

[3] World Health Organization. (2022, October 01). Vitamin A. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/vitamina/en/

[4] Ganjian, D., Fisher, D., & Gandhi, M. (2022, December 08). Measles, Vitamin A, and Misinformation: A Primer. Interview with Medical News Today.

[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 08). Measles Disease: Signs and Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/index.html

[6] Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Dietary Allowances. (1989). Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. National academies press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235371/

[7] Smith, L., Ramsay, M. T., & Hay, S. I. (2018). Vitamin A status in children admitted to hospital in the UK: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 31(5), 598-607. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.14141

[8] Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014, August 22). Vitamin A for preventing mortality in severely malnourished children lacking vitamin A. Cochrane Library. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004268.pub7/full

[9] World Health Organization. (2022, October 01). Malnutrition. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition

[10] National Institutes of Health. (2022, May 22). Celiac disease and vitamin deficiencies. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes

[11] National Institutes of Health. (2022, February 24). Crohn's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes

[12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, December 07). Measles: Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html

[13] Hotez, P. J., & Lopez, A. D. (2013). The 2020 compliance agenda for global elimination of measles and rubella. The Lancet, 381(9870), 618-628. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60467-0

Enrichment Data:- Prevention: Vitamin A does not prevent measles infection. It is not a substitute for vaccination.- Treatment: Vitamin A may be used as a supportive treatment in cases of measles, particularly to address vitamin A deficiency that can occur with the disease.- Dosage: The CDC recommends administering two doses of vitamin A, with the dosage depending on age: 50,000 IU for infants under 6 months, 100,000 IU for infants 6–11 months, and 200,000 IU for children over 12 months.- Vaccination: The CDC recommends vaccinating young children at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. 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.- Budesonide: There is no current scientific evidence supporting the use of budesonide in the treatment or prevention of measles.- Clarithromycin: There is no current scientific evidence supporting the use of clarithromycin in the treatment or prevention of measles.

1. Despite the rising cases of measles in the US, vitamin A supplements do not function as a preventative measure against the disease.
2. Instead of relying on vitamin A supplements, experts advise vaccination as the best defense against measles.
3. The measles outbreak has impacted 30 states, and there have been three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025.
4. While vitamin A can aid in recovery from measles-induced vitamin A deficiency, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles.
5. Cod liver oil, containing high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D, must be used with caution due to the potential risks associated with excessive vitamin A consumption.
6. Budesonide and clarithromycin have not been proven to be effective in the treatment or prevention of measles.
7. Two significant measles outbreaks in the past were driven by undervaccination.
8. Once the measles virus infects the body, it may lead to a vitamin A deficiency, but this condition can be addressed through two oral doses of Vitamin A.
9. Education and self-development is crucial to understanding both the benefits and risks associated with complex supplements like cod liver oil.
10. Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and wellness, and it is vital to be aware of the psychological impact of misinformation regarding diseases like measles.
11. In the realm of politics, combating misinformation and promoting vaccination are critical to controlling the spread of infectious diseases like measles.
12. Learning about the science behind vaccines and disease prevention can help increase public understanding and support for vaccination measures.
13. General news outlets have a responsibility to accurately report on medical-conditions, chronic-diseases, and public health issues such as the measles outbreak, promoting accurate information to the public and fostering healthy discussion surrounding these topics.

Read also: