Measles isn't stopped by Vitamin A intake. Health specialists detail its real functions.
In the United States, there has been a recent rise in measles cases, with over 1,000 instances reported in 30 states as of May 15, 2025. This outbreak, which has resulted in three reported deaths, has been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
Traditionally, measles has been a well-controlled infectious disease, with the U.S. experiencing only a few surges. However, the current outbreak, like the Indiana outbreak of 2005, is fueled by undervaccination.
In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, there has been increased interest in the use of vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or prevention method for measles. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it still recommends vaccination as the primary method of prevention.
Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts to answer common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and measures people can take to prevent the disease's spread.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
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, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, agreed that vitamin A provides no preventive benefits for measles. Although vitamin A helps boost the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles.
However, during a measles infection, the body can develop a vitamin A deficiency, which can exacerbate symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in these instances.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has praised the medications budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles in children, their unproven benefits for this viral infection have raised concerns among experts. There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles, and its routine use should not be considered standard care. Clarithromycin is not recommended for measles itself, as it is an antibiotic reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections.
How to protect yourself against measles
Patients with measles should isolate from others for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, especially for those living in areas affected by the outbreak. If you have not been vaccinated, consult your doctor about getting vaccinated, especially if you have not done so as a child.
Vitamin A is used to treat measles, not prevent it. Therefore, there is no indication in the current era to take vitamin A to prevent measles.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Although cod liver oil does contain vitamin A, the experts warned that consuming high amounts of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing damage to the skin, bones, and liver. The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age, with babies and children requiring less and adults, especially women, needing a slightly higher intake. In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people can consume the recommended daily allowance through their diets.
Current measles vaccine recommendations
Health authorities in the U.S. recommend that young children receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. If you have not had the MMR vaccine, have received only one dose, or are unsure if you've been fully vaccinated, consult your doctor.
Ultimately, while vitamin A supplements have a limited role in treating measles, vaccination and public health measures are crucial for preventing and controlling measles outbreaks. Rapid identification and reporting of measles cases, education campaigns, and maintaining adequate nutrition to support immune function can also help in this effort.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination as the primary method for preventing measles.
- In the recent measles outbreak, three reported deaths have occurred, with the highest concentration in western Texas and New Mexico.
- Cases of measles have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
- Medical News Today spoke to three experts to answer questions about vitamin A supplements and measures to prevent the spread of measles.
- Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher agreed that vitamin A provides no preventive benefits for measles.
- During a measles infection, the body can develop a vitamin A deficiency, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in these instances.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin have been mentioned for treating measles, but their unproven benefits have raised concerns among experts.
- Patients with measles should isolate from others for four days from the onset of the rash to prevent transmission.
- Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, but consuming high amounts can lead to toxicity, causing damage to the skin, bones, and liver.
- In the U.S., health authorities recommend the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years for young children.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
- Public health measures, education campaigns, and maintaining adequate nutrition are also important for preventing and controlling measles outbreaks, in addition to vaccination.
