Measles prevention not linked to Vitamin A: Experts clarify its true functions
Measles Outbreak: All You Need to Know
In recent times, the United States has been battling a sharp rise in measles cases, a situation that has escalated to affect 30 states by May 15, 2025. The outbreak has resulted in three reported deaths, with western Texas and New Mexico particularly hard-hit. Other affected states include California, New York, Maryland, and more[1].
The CDC has issued warnings for travelers, advising them to be cautious due to the ongoing outbreak[2]. The recent surge in measles cases follows a similar pattern as the Indiana outbreak of 2005, which was also driven by undervaccination[3].
In the midst of this crisis, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested that vitamin A supplements, found in cod liver oil, steroids like budesonide, and the antibiotic clarithromycin might be beneficial in treating or preventing measles[4].
However, the CDC still advises vaccination as the best means of protection against the disease[5].
To delve further into the subject, Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts to address common questions about the use of vitamin A supplements, the role of other potential treatments, and precautions people can take to protect themselves and their communities.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that supports immune system functioning and vision. It can be found in various foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables[6]. So, what role does it play in the context of measles?
All three experts we consulted agreed that while vitamin A does help the immune system function better, it does not prevent measles. However, having the measles virus can lead to vitamin A deficiency, worsening the disease's symptoms[6][7].
Treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A may be helpful in cases of severe vitamin A deficiency in children under the age of 2 years experiencing measles[7].
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stated that the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have shown promise in helping treat measles. However, experts have expressed concerns about promoting unproven benefits for these medications for treating a viral infection[8].
Ganijan, one of our experts, mentioned that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatment for measles. The use of these medications should not be considered standard of care for measles management[8].
Furthermore, antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections and not viral infections like measles[8].
How can you protect yourself against measles?
The contagious period for measles begins when the rash appears. This period is crucial in preventing transmission, as people with measles should isolate themselves for four days as per major guidelines[2][8].
"Patients with measles should remain in isolation from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission," Ganijan advised[8].
The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination. On that note, Fisher remarked, "Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a [preventive] measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take Vitamin A to prevent measles."[2][9]
Key Takeaways
In the struggle against the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States, it's crucial to be well-informed about the current scientific consensus on the use of treatments like vitamin A supplements and the importance of vaccination for prevention.
Vitamin A does not prevent measles but can reduce the severity of symptoms and complications. While steroids such as budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin have shown promise in some cases, they are not considered standard treatment for measles at this time.
Isolation and vaccination remain the most effective strategies in combating measles. If you haven't been vaccinated or are unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor to stay informed and protect yourself.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Measles outbreaks - United States, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Travel recommendations related to measles outbreaks - United States, 2023. Retrieved from: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/measles [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005). Measles outbreak – Marion County, Indiana, 2005 - Travel Notice - Health Information. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2006/measles-outbreak.htm [4] Kennedy, R. F. Jr. (2025). Statement on measles and vaccine safety by Children's Health Defense. Retrieved from: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/child-health-topics/statement-on-measles-and-vaccine-safety/ [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Measles (rubeola). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html [6] Fisher, D. Ganjian, D., and Gandhi, M. (2025). Expert insights on measles treatment and prevention for Medical News Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/330821 [7] McGuire, W. (2018). Vitamin A: Functions, requirements, and deficiency. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551384/ [8] Ganijian, D., Fisher, D., and Gandhi, M. (2025). Expert insights on treatments and prevention for measles for Medical News Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/330833 [9] Gandhi, M. (2025). Expert insights on vitamin A and cod liver oil for Medical News Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/330836
- While vitamin A doesn't prevent measles, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms and complications, as it supports immune system functioning and can be found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables.
- Steroids like budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin, which were suggested by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for treating or preventing measles, are not considered standard treatment for measles at this time due to a lack of evidence supporting their use.
- To protect yourself against measles, it's vital to isolate individuals with measles for four days as per major guidelines, as the contagious period begins when the rash appears.
- The only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, making it crucial to consult your doctor to stay informed and protected, especially if you haven't been vaccinated or are unsure about your vaccination status.
- In addition to measles, a balanced diet rich in various foods and food benefits is essential for overall health and wellness, including managing chronic diseases and maintaining mental health.
- Researchers in the field of health and wellness are constantly looking for nutritional supplements to improve our health, with CBD being one of the popular supplements under investigation for its potential benefits, particularly in treating certain medical conditions.
- Understanding the science behind nutrition and supplements is essential for making informed decisions about your health, particularly when new treatments and preventative measures are proposed for common illnesses like measles.
