Vitamin A at the Center of Controversy: Poisonings Rise After Wave of Measles Misinformation

Vitamin A Controversy As Poisonings Increase

Measles Misinformation

Internet Searches Grow

Interest in vitamin A grew abruptly in the United States amid the measles outbreak recorded in 2025. The phenomenon intensified after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoted the supplement as an alternative.

A study published on June 1 revealed a significant increase in searches related to vitamin A and measles. The data shows that the digital conversation surged within weeks.

On February 26, 2025, searches about vitamin A linked to measles increased by 44%. By March 22, interest reached its peak with a 100% increase.

The same pattern was observed with cod liver oil, another product associated with the supplement. This term registered a 52.6% increase in searches on March 5.

Statements That Fueled the Trend

Vitamin A at the Center of Controversy: Poisonings Rise-Photo: Shutterstock

The surge in interest in these products coincided with public statements shared in February 2025. In them, the use of vitamin A was suggested as an option for measles.

Kennedy Jr. also questioned the MMR vaccine, generating confusion among the public. He incorrectly claimed that it could cause encephalitis, although he acknowledged that it stopped the spread.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Screwworm Reappears in the U.S. and Raises Concern After Case Detected in New Mexico Dog

In an opinion article published on March 2, he defended the use of vitamin A under medical supervision. He said it could help in mild, moderate, and severe cases of the disease.

These statements helped position the supplement as an alternative in the public debate. The effect was immediate both online and in consumer behavior.

Consequences: Poisonings Increase

The rise in the supplement’s popularity had a direct impact on public health. Cases of vitamin A poisoning began increasing in a worrying way.

Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, poisonings rose by 38.7% compared with the same period in 2024. The figure reflects a trend that coincides with the surge in searches.

Excessive vitamin A consumption can cause significant adverse effects. These include nausea, vomiting, and severe pain.

More serious problems have also been reported, such as liver damage and vision changes. These risks occur especially when it is taken without medical supervision.

Health Misinformation Risks

The case highlights the impact that public messages can have on health issues, especially when they spread during alert situations such as an outbreak.

Incorrect information can lead to individual decisions with dangerous consequences. In this case, excessive supplement use without supervision.

The study underscores the relationship between public discourse and the population’s digital behavior. It also shows how this can translate into real risks.

The increase in poisonings thus becomes a warning sign about vitamin A misinformation. It is a reminder of the importance of verifying information before taking action, according to PEOPLE.