Measles isn't prevented by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify what the nutrient truly accomplishes.
As the United States grapples with a significant measles outbreak, cases have been reported across 30 states, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and three reported deaths as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak has been primarily concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. Travelers have been warned to remain vigilant as the CDC continues to monitor the situation.
Measles, a highly infectious disease, has traditionally been well-controlled; however, it has seen surges in the US in recent decades, including the 2005 outbreak in Indiana that was fueled by undervaccination.
In light of recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, there has been an increase in interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or preventative measure for measles. Kennedy suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown "good results" in helping treat measles.
Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, they still strongly recommend vaccination as the most effective means of prevention. Medical News Today spoke to three experts - 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, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA – to address common questions about vitamin A supplements and measures people can take to prevent the spread of measles.
Regarding vitamin A, all three experts agreed that the vitamin provides no meaningful benefit as a preventative measure but that the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and worsen symptoms. Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful in addressing severe deficiencies, particularly in children.
In terms of budesonide and clarithromycin, there is currently no evidence to support their use as standard treatments for measles. Budesonide may have shown some promising results in managing severe complications of measles, but it is not an antiviral for the measles virus itself. Clarithromycin is typically reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
To protect yourself against measles, it is essential to get vaccinated, especially if you live in an area with ongoing outbreaks. Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before and four days after the appearance of the rash to prevent transmission.
Vitamin A does not play a role in preventing measles. It is only used when a patient already has measles and is not a preventative measure. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.
Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be used with caution as it can lead to vitamin A toxicity with excessive consumption. It is essential to avoid consuming more than the recommended daily levels of vitamin A, depending on age.
In essence, while vitamin A can be helpful in reducing the severity of measles in cases where a vitamin A deficiency occurs, it is not a preventative measure for the disease. Vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention. Further research may be needed to determine the potential role of budesonide and clarithromycin in managing measles complications, but both medications are not recommended as standard treatments for the disease at this time.
- The recent measles outbreak in the United States has resulted in over 1,000 confirmed cases, with three reported deaths as of May 15, 2025.
- Cases have been reported across 30 states, with the outbreak primarily concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico.
- Measles, a highly infectious disease, has surged in the US in recent decades, including the 2005 outbreak in Indiana that was fueled by undervaccination.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments have sparked interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment or preventative measure for measles.
- Kennedy suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, can help treat measles, alongside steroids like budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin.
- The CDC strongly recommends vaccination as the most effective means of preventing measles.
- Medical News Today consulted three experts to shed light on the use of vitamin A supplements and other measures for preventing the spread of measles.
- All three experts agreed that vitamin A provides no meaningful benefit as a preventative measure, but disease-caused vitamin A deficiency can worsen symptoms.
- Treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help address severe deficiencies, particularly in children.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin, while showing some promise in managing severe measles complications, are not recommended as standard treatments for the disease.
- To protect against measles, vaccination is crucial, especially in areas with ongoing outbreaks.
- Isolating patients with measles for four days before and four days after the appearance of the rash can help prevent transmission.
- While cod liver oil can be helpful in reducing the severity of measles when a vitamin A deficiency occurs, it should be consumed with caution to prevent vitamin A toxicity caused by excessive consumption.
