Measles is not prevented by Vitamin A. Experts clarify the role of this nutrient in overall health and immune response.
Rise in Measles Cases Sparks Interest in Vitamin A Supplementation
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak. As of May 15, 2025, 1,000 cases have been reported across 30 states, with three confirmed fatalities. The recent surge in cases has primarily been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, but measles has also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to stay vigilant.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced a few significant surges in recent decades. In particular, the outbreaks in 2005 in Indiana and more recently, spurred by undervaccination, have raised concerns.
Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, have sparked interest in vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment for measles. Kennedy has suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, steroid budesonide, and antibiotic clarithromycin, can help treat the disease.
While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it still strongly recommends vaccination as the primary preventative measure against the illness. Medication News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts to address 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?
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision and the immune system. It can be found in various foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. However, all three experts interviewed—Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center—agreed that vitamin A provides no preventative benefit for measles.
However, severe measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, making symptoms more severe. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful.
What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
Kennedy Jr.'s praise for the medications budesonide and clarithromycin for treating measles has raised concerns among experts about the unproven benefits of these drugs for treating a viral infection like measles. Ganjian cautioned there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management.
On the topic of clarithromycin, Ganjian emphasized that antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
The CDC advises that people are contagious from the measles rash's appearance. It is, therefore, recommended that those infected isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent transmission.
Fisher stressed that the only effective measure against measles is vaccination. Those who live or travel in areas with an outbreak, particularly in western Texas and New Mexico, should ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Fisher also recommended vaccinating children and adults who have not been vaccinated previously.
"Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a preventive measure. Therefore, there is no indication on this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take Vitamin A to prevent measles," Gandhi explained.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What to Know
Gandhi pointed out that cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Consuming excessive vitamin A can result in toxicity and various health issues, including skin and bone fragility, headaches, liver damage, and other symptoms. It is vital to avoid ingesting too much vitamin A, especially in the form of supplements.
- In the wake of the measles outbreak, discussions about vitamin A supplements as a possible treatment have arisen.
- Vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, steroid budesonide, and antibiotic clarithromycin, has been suggested by some for treating measles by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Severe measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, which can exacerbate symptoms, necessitating treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A.
- Experts wie Monica Gandhi, Daniel Ganjian, and Danelle Fisher agree that vitamin A offers no preventative benefit for measles.
- There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles, according to Daniel Ganjian.
- Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, are not appropriate for treating viral infections like measles, Ganjian emphasized.
- To protect oneself from measles, the CDC advises isolating for four days once the measles rash appears.
- Fisher emphasizes that vaccination is the only effective measure against measles, particularly for those residing or traveling in outbreak areas like western Texas and New Mexico.
- Gandhi highlighted that cod liver oil, containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, can lead to toxicity if ingested excessively, hence the importance of careful consumption.
