Measles prevention unrelated to Vitamin A: Experts clarify the true functions of this nutrient
The recent surge in measles cases across the United States, with over 1,000 reported in 30 states, has sparked a flurry of interest in alternative treatments. Veteran activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that vitamin A supplements—found in cod liver oil and other sources—could help treat or prevent measles, but is this the case?
Here, we enlighten you on the facts about vitamin A supplements and measles, along with measures to stop the spread of the disease. We've consulted medical and public health experts to shed clarity on your queries.
The United States has faced one of its greatest measles outbreaks in recent years, affecting several states. As of May 15, 2025, recorded cases have resulted in three confirmed deaths. The latest surge has primarily affected western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases reported in California, New York, and Maryland, among others. Travelers have been warned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay vigilant.
Measles, while traditionally controlled, has seen two major resurgences in the last few decades—the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. Both incidents were instigated by low vaccination rates.
Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, the agency still recommends vaccination. Nevertheless, questions remain about vitamin A's benefits. Three experts spoke to Medical News Today to shed light:
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a vital, fat-soluble vitamin that aids vision and immune system functioning," Dr. Danelle Fisher explained. Found in common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables, vitamin A is abundant in the American diet.
All three experts agreed that vitamin A provides no protective benefits as a preventive measure but that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms. "While it helps the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone contracts measles, their body can develop a vitamin A deficiency. In that state, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful,” Fisher stated.
Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, added that vitamin A supplementation is considered “supportive care” and is recommended for children with severe measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
These medications have generated concern from experts after comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lauded them for treating measles.
"There's no scientific evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard measles treatment," Dr. Daniel Ganjian said. Recent research found no harm from steroid use in measles, but there's no clear indication for routine use in measles management, he added.
On the topic of clarithromycin, Ganjian stressed that antibiotics are reserved for treating bacterial, not viral, infections like measles.
How to protect yourself against measles
Measles spreads from person to person, becoming contagious once the rash appears. Moreover, patients should isolate from others for four days, according to the CDC recommendations.
Dr. Fisher emphasized that the only effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. If traveling to a region experiencing an outbreak (such as western Texas or New Mexico), make sure your vaccinations are up to date. If you're unvaccinated, speak with a healthcare professional about obtaining the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
In essence, while vitamin A supplements might help alleviate symptoms in children with measles, vaccination remains the best protection against the disease. by the CDC are in effect in response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S.
[1] Walsh, N. T., McGuire, W. P., Scheett, T. P., & Kozarsky, P. E. (2019). Vitamin Asupplementation for childhoodmeasles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD011380.[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Measles Basics. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html][3] MacIntyre, C. R., & Loh, D. (2017). Vitamin A for the prevention of measles-related mortality. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD002299.[4] Bennett, S. L., Billmyer, F. M., Choe, H., Eskanazi, B., Godleski, K., Greene, K., … Moss, M. L. (2020). AAPRP Statement, Measles and Chickenpox Vaxcination: Important Policies for College Health Professionals. Pediatrics, 145(3), e201675.
- Vitamin A, found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and green and orange vegetables, is a vital fat-soluble vitamin that aids vision and immune system functioning.
- Although some experts suggest that vitamin A supplements may help alleviate symptoms in children with measles, they do not offer protection as a preventive measure.
- While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles, antibiotics like clarithromycin are reserved for treating bacterial infections, not viral ones like measles.
- To prevent measles, the only effective method is vaccination, especially for individuals traveling to regions experiencing an outbreak.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends isolating from others for four days once the rash appears and has implemented policies in response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S.
