Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the real functions of this vitamin.
Vitamin A Boom
The USA is grappling with a surge in measles cases, reaching 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states as of May 15, 2025. With three reported deaths, officials are on high alert, especially in western Texas and New Mexico - epicenters of the recent outbreak. California, New York, and Maryland are also battling this resurgence of the once well-controlled disease [1][2].
With concerns rising, discussions about alternative treatments are trending. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, recently touted vitamin A supplements, found in cod liver oil, amongst others, as potential saviors [3]. But can such supplements actually help prevent or treat measles? We sought answers from medical and public health experts.
The Role of Vitamin A
"Vitamin A is crucial for vision and our immune system. It's found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables," explains Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
All three experts agreed that vitamin A has no role in preventative measures but can play an essential part when dealing with measles. The disease can deplete one's vitamin A stores, aggravating symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can help alleviate these complications, particularly for children less than 2 years old [4]. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, clarifies, "Vitamin A supports the immune system, but it doesn't protect against measles [3]."
Other Miracle Medications?
Kennedy Jr. pointed to the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin as promising treatments. However, experts voice apprehension about promoting unproven benefits for viral infections. As Ganjian notes, "Budesonide and other steroids are not standard treatments for measles. Routine use is not recommended, and their use should not be considered as such [3]."
Clarithromycin is not indicated for measles itself, according to Ganjian. Instead, its use is reserved for bacterial infections [3]. So, avoid self-medicating with these drugs without consulting medical professionals.
Protect Yourself
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises isolating individuals with measles four days before the rash appears until four days after it has [5].
Gandhi emphasizes vaccination as the only defense against measles. "[V]itamin A is helpful only for symptomatic patients, not as a preventative measure. It's best to get vaccinated, especially in high-risk areas," she says [3]. So, if you're yet to get the MMR vaccine or are unsure of your vaccination status, speak with your healthcare provider [6].
A Word About Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains more than just vitamin A. It also has vitamin D and fatty acids. While most people can meet their daily vitamin A needs through diet, certain populations might require supplements. Fisher advises, "Excessive vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing harm to the body [3]."
As always, over-the-counter supplements should be used with caution. Consult healthcare providers before supplementing to ensure you're staying within safe dosage limits.
The Bottom Line
While vitamin A can help treat measles and limit the disease's severity, its role is limited to treatment, not prevention. The measles vaccine remains the best defense against the disease. Make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated to keep yourself and the community safe.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366505/[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/330405[4] https://www who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-vitamin-a[5] https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/clinical-treatment.html[6] https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/mmr-vac.html
- Vitamin A, found in foods like fish, cod liver oil, and orange and green vegetables, can help alleviate complications caused by measles, particularly for children under two years old.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, clarifies that while vitamin A supports the immune system, it doesn't protect against measles.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises isolating individuals with measles four days before the rash appears until four days after it has.
- Gandhi emphasizes vaccination as the only defense against measles, stating that it's best to get vaccinated, especially in high-risk areas.
