Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the true functions of this vitamin.
Measles outbreak raises concern in the U.S., sparking debates about vitamin A for protection
Stay informed as we delve into the rising measles cases in the United States, recent remarks by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the role of vitamin A supplements for managing or preventing this contagious disease. Here's what medical and public health experts have to say on the topic, and measures you can take to prevent the spread of measles.
The nation is grappling with a significant measles resurgence, expanding across 30 states and causing three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025. Most cases have appeared in western Texas, New Mexico, California, New York, Maryland, and other states, with the CDC advising travelers to exercise caution [1].
Historically, measles was kept under control, but surges have occurred, such as two major outbreaks in the last few decades, including the Indiana outbreak in 2005, both driven by undervaccination [1]. Lately, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has expressed that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown "good results" in helping treat measles [2].
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment option, they strongly recommend vaccination as the best line of defense against measles infection [2]. To shed light on the role of vitamin A supplements, Medical News Today consulted with three experts: an infectious disease specialist, and two pediatricians.
So, can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to vision, as well as the functioning of the immune system. It is available in many common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange, and green vegetables," said Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
All three experts concurred that while vitamin A does support the immune system, it does not safeguard against infectious diseases like measles. On the flip side, measles can cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms. Two doses of Vitamin A can be helpful under medical supervision when someone has measles [2].
"Although severe Vitamin A deficiency led to more severe measles outcomes in the past, the World Health Organization recommends giving vitamin A supplements to children with measles for supportive care, particularly those under the age of 2 years old," said Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. praised the medications budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles, there has been a growing concern about hyping the unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. Although a recent study found no harm from steroid use in measles treatment, it should not be considered standard of care," Fisher said.
The experts did not find any conclusive evidence supporting the use of clarithromycin for treating measles. Antibiotics like clarithromycin are primarily used for confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles [2].
Protect Yourself Against Measles
According to the CDC, people become contagious once the measles rash appears [1]. It is recommended that patients with measles isolate from others for four days to avoid transmission [2].
"Patients with measles should remain in isolation for 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines," said Gandhi.
"The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring (e.g., West Texas, New Mexico). Vitamin A is used when someone already has measles and not as a preventive measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era to take vitamin A to prevent measles," added Gandhi.
Vitamin A Supplements and Cod Liver Oil: What You Need to Know
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids. Gandhi noted that high amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity, leading to skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and other symptoms [3]. Although most people can consume the recommended daily allowance from their diets, certain populations might need supplements [3].
"Recent studies indicate that vitamin A intake depends on age. Babies and children need less (300 mcg), while adults, particularly women, should consume approximately 800 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin A daily," said Fisher.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., the CDC recommends that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6 [4]. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart [4].
If you have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, only had one dose, or are unsure if you've been fully vaccinated, experts recommend speaking with your doctor [4].
[1] "Measles outbreak in the U.S., states with reported measles cases, warnings to travelers" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2] "Medical News Today. Measles: Can vitamin A supplements help?" [3]"Vitamin A toxicity: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia" U.S. National Library of Medicine[4] "Measles (Rubeola) Vaccine Information Statement" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in various foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange, and green vegetables, but it does not prevent or treat measles, according to three medical experts consulted by Medical News Today.
- While severe Vitamin A deficiency can exacerbate measles symptoms, the World Health Organization recommends giving vitamin A supplements to children with measles for supportive care, particularly those under the age of 2 years old.
- The CDC advises that people become contagious once the measles rash appears and recommends patients with measles isolate from others for four days to prevent transmission.
- The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, and recent CDC recommendations advise that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6, with older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated receiving one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
