Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A; experts clarify its true function.
Here's a fresh take on the rise of measles cases in the US and the insights on Vitamin A supplements for measles:
Measles cases are on the rise in the United States. As of May 15, 2025, there have been over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states, with three confirmed deaths. Western Texas and New Mexico have been particularly hard-hit by this resurgence of the disease.
In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., there's been a spike in interest in Vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or prevention method for measles. Medical News Today reached out to three medical and public health experts to answer common questions about Vitamin A supplementation for measles and obtain practical advice on disease prevention.
So, can Vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for healthy vision and the immune system function," explains Dr. Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician. However, all three experts agree that Vitamin A doesn't offer any benefits as a preventive measure against measles. The disease itself can cause a Vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe. Two doses of Vitamin A can be helpful when treating severe measles, but vaccination remains the frontline defense against the disease.
What about cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced support for the use of cod liver oil, budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin in treating measles. However, these medications lack solid scientific evidence supporting their use in the treatment or prevention of measles. While budesonide may have a role in respiratory conditions like asthma, there's no evidence to support its use in measles treatment. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protect Yourself against Measles
To avoid measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people who have developed a rash to isolate themselves for four days. The best way to protect yourself against measles is to get vaccinated, especially if you live or travel in areas where an outbreak is occurring.
Vitamin A is not a preventive measure against measles, so there's no need to take it for this purpose. Instead, focus on keeping your immune system strong and getting vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.
Popular Questions on Vitamin A, cod liver oil, and More:
- How much Vitamin A is too much?
- Current MMR vaccine recommendations
- Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Stay informed and take preventive measures to help protect yourself and your community from measles. Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your vaccination status.
- Despite the increasing interest, Vitamin A does not offer any benefits as a preventative measure against measles.
- Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician, states that Vitamin A is crucial for healthy vision and the immune system function.
- Three medical and public health experts emphasize that Vitamin A should not be used as a means to prevent measles.
- The US is currently experiencing a rise in measles cases, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states and three confirmed deaths.
- Western Texas and New Mexico have been significantly affected by this measles resurgence.
- Cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin lack solid scientific evidence supporting their use in treating or preventing measles.
- Budesonide may be useful in respiratory conditions like asthma, but not in measles treatment.
- Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- To avoid measles, one should isolate themselves for four days if a rash develops, and vaccination is the frontline defense against the disease.
- To maintain a strong immune system, focus on nutrition, lifestyle, and taking care of your mental health in addition to getting vaccinated.
- General news outlets are discussing the rise in measles cases and the opinions on Vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or prevention method.
- It's important to stay informed about the current MMR vaccine recommendations, the role of Vitamin A and cod liver oil, and other related questions to help protect yourself and your community from measles.
