Measles prevention not guaranteed by Vitamin A. Health professionals clarify its true functions.
The United States has witnessed a resurgence of measles cases, with over 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states as of May 15, 2025, according to the most recent figures. Regrettably, the toll includes three reported deaths.
The western states of Texas and New Mexico have seen the brunt of the outbreak, with other states such as California, New York, and Maryland also reporting measles cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised travelers to exercise caution while traveling due to the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Measles, once a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced a few surges in recent years, including the outbreaks in Indiana in 2005. Historically, undervaccination has been a significant contributor to these surges.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has advocated for the use of vitamin A supplements, including cod liver oil, the steroid budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin, in the treatment of measles. While the CDC acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment, it urges vaccination as the most effective means of preventing the infection.
Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts to address common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and steps people can take to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, explains that while vitamin A is essential for maintaining vision and immune system function, it does not offer protection against diseases like measles.
Gandhi explains that when someone has the measles virus, their body's vitamin A levels may deplete. In such cases, treating the individual with two oral doses of Vitamin A can aid their recovery. Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, concurs that, although vitamin A does help the immune system, it does not function as a preventive measure against measles.
Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, another board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, also agrees that vitamin A supplementation does not provide protection against measles. Instead, Fisher points out that the disease itself can lead to vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms.
What About Budesonide and Clarithromycin?
Following Kennedy Jr.'s praise for budesonide and clarithromycin as effective medications for treating measles, concerns have been raised about promoting unproven benefits for these medications for the treatment of viral infections.
Ganijan cautions that there is no evidence to support the routine use of budesonide in measles treatment, despite a recent retrospective cohort study that found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles cases. Ganijan further emphasizes that the use of budesonide should not be considered standard of care.
While clarithromycin is reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections such as measles, Ganijan advises that antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
The CDC suggests that individuals with measles should isolate themselves from others for four days from the appearance of the rash to prevent further transmission.
Fisher stresses the importance of vaccination as the only effective prevention method against measles. Gandhi agrees that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, can be seen as supportive care; however, it is not a preventive measure. Instead, she urges people, especially those in areas experiencing outbreaks, to get vaccinated against measles and ensure their children receive vaccinations as well.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What to Know
Cod liver oil contains various vitamins and fatty acids, with notable amounts of vitamins A and D. However, consuming large amounts of vitamin A can be harmful, potentially leading to liver damage, skin damage, and bone fragility. It is essential to adhere to recommended daily vitamin A intakes, as advocated by experts. Although most people achieve their daily requirements via diet, some may need supplements to ensure they hit their daily dose.
In assessment of the outbreak, the CDC recommends that young children receive their first measles vaccination at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their doctors.
- Variations in vitamin A levels are not a preventive measure against measles, despite some advocating for its use in treatment.
- Medical News Today consulted experts who agree that vitamin A supplementation, such as cod liver oil, does not protect against measles, but can aid in recovery for individuals with the measles virus.
- Contrary to the allocation of budesonide and clarithromycin as effective medications for measles, there is no supporting evidence for their clinical use.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals with measles to isolate for four days to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent measles, with the CDC advocating for children to receive their first measles vaccination between 12-15 months and the second between 4-6.
- Exceeding the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, can result in harmful side effects, making it crucial to follow expert-recommended daily allowances when using supplements.
