Measles prevention isn't achieved through Vitamin A. Health specialists clarify the true functions of this nutrient.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant resurgence of measles cases, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states, as of May 15, 2025. Three deaths have been attributed to the outbreak, largely affecting western Texas and New Mexico, although cases have also been detected in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
Measles, a typically well-controlled infectious disease, has seen a few significant spikes in the past, such as the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. These surges have been linked to undervaccination.
Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, have sparked increased interest in vitamin A supplements, specifically cod liver oil, as a potential treatment or preventive measure for measles. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists vitamin A as a potential treatment, it still strongly advocates for vaccination as the primary approach.
To provide clarity on the use of vitamin A supplements in relation to measles and preventive measures, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher, both board certified pediatricians at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Fisher explained that vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune system functioning. It is found in a variety of common foods, such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange and green vegetables. However, all three experts concurred that vitamin A does not protect against measles as a preventive measure.
In cases where someone has contracted measles, their body can experience vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in these situations, according to the experts.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin
Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles has raised concerns among many experts. Ganijan stated that there is no evidence supporting the routine use of budesonide in measles treatment, and its use should not be considered standard of care. While a recent study found no harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for routine use in measles management.
As for clarithromycin, Ganijan emphasized that the antibiotic should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media, and not as prophylactic therapy for measles itself.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
People with measles are considered contagious from the start of the rash, and the CDC recommends that they isolate from others for four days to prevent transmission.
Fisher underscored that vaccination is the only effective preventative measure against measles. Children under 15 months should receive their first dose, with a second dose at ages 4-6, while older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult their doctors about receiving one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Important Considerations
Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, in addition to fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. While experts believe most people meet their daily requirements for vitamin A through their diets, supplements may be necessary for certain populations.
However, consuming high amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, warned Gandhi.Too much vitamin A could lead to skin and bone fragility, headaches, liver damage, and other symptoms.
In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people get their daily recommended intake of vitamin A from their diets. Only specific populations, such as premature infants or those with diseases that interfere with dietary absorption (e.g., celiac disease or Crohn's disease), may require supplements.
- The resurgence of measles cases in the United States has led to discussions about the use of vitamin A supplements, particularly cod liver oil, as a potential treatment or preventive measure.
- While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it advocates for vaccination as the primary approach.
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune system functioning, found in common foods like eggs, fish, and vegetables.
- Despite its importance, vitamin A does not protect against measles as a preventive measure, according to a panel of three experts.
- In cases where someone has contracted measles, their body can experience vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms, and treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in these situations.
- Budesonide, endorsed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised concerns among many experts due to the lack of evidence supporting its routine use in measles treatment.
- Meanwhile, there is no clear indication for the routine use of clarithromycin in measles management, except in cases of secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia or otitis media.
- People with measles are contagious from the start of the rash and are advised to isolate from others for four days to prevent transmission.
- Vaccination is the only effective preventative measure against measles, and children under 15 months should receive their first dose, followed by a second dose at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult their doctors about receiving one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
- Cod liver oil, which contains vitamins A and D, should be used with caution due to potential risks associated with high amounts of vitamin A.
- In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people receive their daily recommended intake of vitamin A from their diets, and supplements are only necessary for specific populations like premature infants or those with chronic diseases that interfere with dietary absorption.
