Rise in Poisonings Linked to Unproven Measles Remedies
Poisonings caused by unproven measles remedies have increased significantly, with a nearly 40 percent rise over three months, according to a new report. Among the most commonly used ‘cures’ are vitamin A and cod liver oil, which have been promoted as treatments for the measles virus. Measles can cause fever, cough, and rash, and in severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling.
The United States experienced an outbreak of measles from early winter to spring 2025, primarily among unvaccinated individuals, who accounted for over 93 percent of cases. During this period, internet searches for vitamin A and cod liver oil spiked compared to the same timeframe in 2024, reaching their peak on March 22, when at least 378 cases were confirmed.
At the same time, the U.S. Poison Centers reported a 38.7 percent increase in vitamin A poisonings, indicating that more people were accidentally overdosing on these supplements. Researchers noted that this trend might have been influenced by public figures promoting vitamin A as a treatment for measles.
Top federal health officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., have sparked debate by endorsing vitamin A and cod liver oil as unproven remedies for measles. However, doctors warn that vitamin A does not prevent measles infection, and incorrect use of these supplements has led to serious poisoning.
Since January 2025, more than 4,300 measles cases have been confirmed in the U.S., according to federal data. Many people assume that because vitamin A and cod liver oil are natural, they must be safe. This assumption is incorrect, especially at high doses. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted through urine when taken in excess, vitamin A is fat-soluble. This means it accumulates in the liver and fat tissue, potentially leading to dangerous levels over time.
Cod liver oil, rich in vitamin A, is often seen as a harmless remedy. However, just six teaspoons a day over several months can put an adult at risk of chronic toxicity. For children, even smaller amounts can cause serious harm. Excessive vitamin A can damage the liver, cause severe headaches and blurred vision due to brain swelling, weaken bones, and dry out the skin. In children, even small amounts can result in nausea, coma, or death. The most severe effects, such as liver damage and brain swelling, may be irreversible.
‘While it is not unusual for people to reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to relieve fever or pain, the sudden interest in vitamin A during the measles outbreak was neither expected nor evidence-based, as it does not prevent measles,’ the researchers said in JAMA Network Open. ‘So what led to this uptick in search?’
The timing of the search spikes coincided with two major events: starting February 19, 2025, when public figures began promoting vitamin A for measles, and later, when Dr. Suzanne Humphries appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast to praise vitamin A and cod liver oil as remedies. Following media coverage, searches for vitamin A were, on average, 7.5 percentage points higher than expected, while searches for cod liver oil were 1.3 percentage points higher.
Last spring, doctors at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, treated several pediatric measles patients showing signs of vitamin A toxicity, including abnormal liver function. All hospitalized children were unvaccinated against measles.
Acute vitamin A toxicity occurs in adults above 300,000 IU in a single dose, and in children above 100,000 IU or roughly 20,000 IU per kilogram. Chronic toxicity can develop in adults taking over 25,000 IU daily for months, and in children taking over 10,000 IU daily for weeks or 1,500 to 2,500 IU per kilogram per day.
The most vulnerable groups—infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with liver disease—are at greater risk of toxic effects at much lower doses than healthy adults. Symptoms of vitamin A poisoning include nausea, dizziness, blurry vision, liver damage, and in severe cases, coma or even death. For cod liver oil, which contains 4,000–5,000 IU of vitamin A per teaspoon, chronic toxicity may occur in adults consuming about six teaspoons daily over a long period. Even smaller amounts can endanger children, infants, pregnant women, and those with liver disease.
Researchers emphasized that the findings highlight the influence of media on health-seeking behavior during public health emergencies like the measles outbreak. They stressed the importance of clear guidance from trusted sources to prevent detrimental behaviors that could undermine essential public health measures. The resurgence of measles in the U.S. underscores the need for heightened public awareness, stronger vaccination campaigns, and science-backed messaging from health officials to prevent future outbreaks.
The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is the only proven way to prevent measles. There is no cure for measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses offering about 97 percent protection, meaning 97 out of every 100 people who receive both doses will never catch measles, even if exposed. One dose provides around 93 percent protection. The vaccine works by introducing a weakened version of the measles virus into the body, triggering the immune system to produce defense proteins that remember how to fight the real virus. If a vaccinated person is later exposed to measles, their immune system recognizes and destroys the virus immediately, preventing infection before symptoms appear. This is why vaccinated individuals rarely get measles, even during outbreaks.
