Measles cannot be prevented by Vitamin A. Experts clarify the true functions of this nutrient.
Updated and Reworked Article:
- Recent surge in measles cases across several U.S. states has sparked interest in alternative treatments
- With Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments on vitamin A supplementation gaining attention, people have been exploring its potential in treating or preventing measles
- Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts to discuss the effectiveness of vitamin A and other measures to control measles spread
The United States has been wrestling with a significant measles outbreak, affecting 30 states as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak has taken a grim turn, claiming three lives to date.
The majority of the recent surge in cases has been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, although measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. Travelers have been advised to exercise caution as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Historically, measles has been well-controlled; however, there have been a couple of notable outbreaks in the last few decades, notably the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. These instances were primarily driven by under-vaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has suggested vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown positive results in treating measles.
The CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles but still advocates for vaccination as the "best" protection against the virus [2][3].
In order to provide more insight on the topic, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians - Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for vision and a well-functioning immune system. It is found in various common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables," Fisher explained.
All three experts concurred that vitamin A offers no preventive benefit but that the disease itself might lead to vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms.
"While it bolsters the immune system, vitamin A serves no protective role against infectious diseases like measles. When someone contracts the measles virus, their body may become vitamin A deficient. Under those circumstances, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful," Fisher said.
According to Gandhi, vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered "supportive care" [6].
"It is true that severe Vitamin A deficiency resulted in more severe symptoms of measles in the past. A Cochrane review revealed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends the same for adults and children with measles," Gandhi explained.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. expressed his endorsement for the use of two medications - the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin - for treating children with measles, concerns have been raised about advocating for the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections like measles.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management, and their use should not be considered a part of the standard treatment protocol," Ganijan said.
"There is limited data on the use of budesonide specifically, and further research may be needed to ascertain its role in measles management," Ganijan added.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganijan emphasized that antibiotics are only prescribed for confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
"Clarithromycin is not recommended for measles itself. Antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be used if there is a confirmed bacterial infection like pneumonia or otitis media present, and not as routine or prophylactic therapy," he said.
Protecting yourself against measles
The CDC indicates that people are considered contagious once the measles rash appears. Moreover, patients are recommended to isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent transmission [4].
"Patients with measles should maintain isolation from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash starts to prevent transmission, as per major guidelines," Ganijan said.
Fisher emphasized the importance of vaccination as the only effective preventive measure against measles.
"[V]itamin A is a useful supplement for patients who already have measles, but it is not a suitable preventive measure. Therefore, in this era, where we readily consume Vitamin A through our diets, there is no reason to take Vitamin A as a preventive measure," Gandhi said.
"The best precaution against measles is to get vaccinated, particularly if you reside in an area where the outbreak is ongoing (such as West Texas, New Mexico). If you haven't received the vaccine in the past, getting your children vaccinated is also essential since children can experience serious cases of measles," she added.
Cod liver oil: Assessing its utility
Gandhi explained that cod liver oil contains not just vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more intricate supplement.
"Cod liver oil contains significant amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. These are fat-soluble vitamins that can accumulate in the body if consumed in excess and cause Vitamin A toxicity," said Fisher.
While experts agree that most individuals can consume the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A through their diets, some groups may need supplements to maintain adequate vitamin levels.
"The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age. Children require less (approximately 300 mcg) compared to adults, where adult women should consume 700 mcg. Only specific populations such as premature infants or those with diseases affecting dietary absorption, including celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplementation," Fisher concluded.
In summary, while vitamin A supplements do not prevent measles, they can be beneficial for patients who already have measles by reducing the severity of its symptoms and aiding in recovery [1][4]. Vaccination remains the best method for preventing measles [3].
In light of the ongoing measles outbreak, it is crucial to stay updated on vaccination protocols and precautions to protect oneself, families, and the community from the virus.
Sources:
[1] "Measles: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment" - Mayo Clinic
[2] "Measles (Measles Virus)" - CDC
[3] "Measles: Recommendations" - CDC
[4] "Measles Outbreak 2025: What you need to know" - WebMD
[5] "Measles vaccine" - MedlinePlus
[6] "Measles outbreak: Is Cloudy Broth Medicine a Solution?" - News Medical Life Sciences
Human Revolution 4
- Vitamin A, found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, is vital for vision and a well-functioning immune system.
- While some argue that vitamin A supplements can help treat measles, the three medical and public health experts consulted by Medical News Today concur that vitamin A offers no preventive benefit against the disease, but may be beneficial for patients who already have measles.
- In addition to vitamin A, the CDC lists other supplements, such as cod liver oil, as potential treatments for measles, but advocates for vaccination as the "best" protection.
- The use of steroids like budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin for treating measles is not supported by evidence and should not be considered part of the standard treatment protocol, according to the experts consulted.
- Vaccination is the only effective preventive measure against measles, with children especially at risk for serious cases.
- Cod liver oil contains not just vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more intricate supplement to assess its utility. Some specific populations, such as premature infants or those with diseases affecting dietary absorption, may require supplementation.
