Measles isn't prevented by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the true functions of this nutritional supplement.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states as of May 15th, 2025. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to travelers, with confirmed measles cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. Notably, western Texas and New Mexico have seen the highest concentration of recent cases, resulting in three reported deaths.
In response to recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, some Americans have turned to vitamin A supplements in hopes of treating or preventing measles. While the CDC acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it continues to strongly promote vaccination as the most effective prevention strategy.
Medical News Today has consulted three medical and public health experts to shed light on the role vitamin A supplements play in managing measles, as well as discuss measures people can take to prevent the disease's spread.
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician at the same healthcare center, shared their insights on vitamin A supplementation and measles prevention.
Vitamin A: Prevention or Treatment?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune system function, can be found in various common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. However, according to the three experts, vitamin A offers no benefits as a preventive measure for measles. On the contrary, the disease itself can exacerbate symptoms in cases of existing vitamin A deficiency.
"Although it aids the immune system, vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like measles," Danelle Fisher clarified.
In these circumstances, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful for those with severe measles, particularly children under 2 years old, according to Gandhi.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Unproven Benefits
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent endorsement of budesonide and clarithromycin to treat measles has sparked concern among many experts. However, neither medication has been supported as a standard treatment for this viral infection due to a lack of solid evidence.
Daniel Ganjian warned against touting unproven benefits of these medications for measles treatment: "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles." He added that clarithromycin should not be used for the measles virus itself, as it is an antibiotic intended for treating confirmed bacterial infections.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
The CDC recommends isolating individuals with measles for four days before and after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. Meanwhile, vaccination remains the most effective prevention strategy against measles, particularly for those residing in outbreak regions.
Vitamin A supplements, as noted by the experts, are not recommended as a preventive measure in the current context. Instead, vaccination is key to avoiding infection.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Caution Required
Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution due to the risk of vitamin A toxicity. Most people can meet their daily requirements through diet alone, but certain populations may need supplements.
Overconsumption of vitamin A can lead to liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and other complications. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended daily intake to avoid toxicity.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC advises young children to receive their first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated should consult a healthcare professional about receiving one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart. Those unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to speak with a doctor.
- Vitamin A, found in foods such as eggs, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, is essential for vision and immune system function, but it does not offer benefits as a preventive measure for measles, according to the experts.
- In the context of the current measles outbreak, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful for those with severe measles, particularly children under 2 years old, as stated by Monica Gandhi.
- The CDC does not recommend vitamin A supplements as a preventive measure for measles and instead recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention strategy.
- Cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, should be used with caution due to the risk of vitamin A toxicity, as noted by the experts. Overconsumption of vitamin A can lead to liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and other complications.
