The Claim in Context
False claims that vitamin A can prevent and cure measles have been circulating around the internet amid growing outbreaks of the dangerous virus in Texas, New Mexico, and other areas of the United States. Extensive research indicates that the only safe and effective way to prevent measles is to receive the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Key Facts
- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death. The virus spreads easily and can survive for up to 2 hours on surfaces or in the air.
- No scientific evidence supports the false claim that vitamin A can prevent measles or serve as a replacement for medical treatment.
- Cod liver oil does not prevent measles. It has high amounts of vitamin A, much higher than the recommended daily amounts. It also can make kids sick if they take too much. In addition to vitamin A, cod liver oil is high in vitamin D—another nutrient that can be harmful if kids take more than the recommended daily amount.
- Vitamin A has been used as a treatment to help lessen symptoms in children who already have measles and who also have low levels of this micronutrient. In the U.S., vitamin A deficiency is extraordinarily rare.
- Too much vitamin A can cause nausea and vomiting, headache and fatigue, joint and bone pain, blurry vision and skin and hair problems. It can also lead to dangerously high pressures inside the skull that push on the brain, liver damage, confusion, coma and other problems.
- Numerous studies conducted over many years in multiple countries have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles.
Evidence Snapshot
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the only way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has a 97% effectiveness rate and provides long-term immunity against the disease. Leading medical experts recommend vitamin A supplements to reduce complications from measles infections in low resourced countries with high rates of vitamin A deficiency. Doses beyond the recommendations have the potential for harm, particularly for high doses over prolonged periods.
Why It Matters
Spreading misinformation about vitamin A as a cure for measles can lead to dangerous public health consequences. If individuals believe they can rely solely on vitamin A instead of vaccination, they may forgo immunization, increasing the risk of outbreaks and severe cases. High vaccination rates are essential to maintain community immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or because they are too young or pregnant. Public health authorities stress the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies, including vaccination, good nutrition, and timely medical intervention.
Experts Say:
“Vitamin A should not be used to try to prevent measles, and high doses of vitamin A are potentially very harmful. The only effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine. The bottom line is that we need to be stressing the importance of vaccination, not treatment. Measles is essentially entirely preventable thanks to highly effective, safe vaccines.”
— Sean O’Leary, MD, MPH, FAAP, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Resources for Further Information
Last Updated
03/20/2025
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics