Measles prevention doesn't involve Vitamin A. Specialists clarify the true functions of this nutrient.
Significant U.S. Measles Outbreak: is Vitamin A a Viable Solution?
The United States has reported over 1,000 confirmed measles cases across 30 states, with three fatalities as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak, mostly concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, has also affected California, New York, Maryland, and numerous other states. Travelers have been advised to exercise caution, as the disease continues to spread.
Measles, once under control, has experienced resurgences in the past, particularly due to undervaccination, as seen in the major outbreaks of 2000 and 2005 in Indiana.
In light of recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggesting that vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin offer "good results" in treating measles, there has been renewed interest in these potential therapies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still emphasizes vaccination as the most effective measure to combat measles infection. While vitamin A can help treat symptoms in those already infected, it does not function as a preventive measure.
Three leading medical and public health experts spoke to Medical News Today to address common questions about using vitamin A supplements for measles and measures to prevent the disease's spread.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that while vitamin A aids vision and the immune system, it has no preventive benefits for measles. However, in cases where measles-driven vitamin A deficiency worsens symptoms, two oral doses of vitamin A can be beneficial.
Danelle Fisher, another board-certified pediatrician, agrees that vitamin A supplementation offers no advantage in prevention but can be helpful in patients with measles.
Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Unproven Benefits
Kennedy's advocacy for budesonide and clarithromycin as viable treatments for measles has raised concerns among experts. The limited evidence available shows no clear benefits for these medications, and their routine use in measles management should not be considered standard care.
While budesonide may have some off-label uses, its role in the treatment of measles remains unclear, necessitating further research before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Clarithromycin is primarily reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
To minimize the risk of acquiring measles, the CDC advises that patients with measles isolate from others for four days, beginning from the onset of the rash and continuing for four days afterward.
Fisher emphasizes that the only proven preventive measure is vaccination, especially in areas where the outbreak is active.
Gandhi adds that vitamin A is not a useful preventive measure, and individuals should focus on vaccination to protect themselves and their communities.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What to Know
Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, should be administered carefully due to its potential for Vitamin A toxicity. The recommended daily intake varies by age, with adults requiring a lower dose compared to infants and children. Individuals with various health conditions or those at risk of deficiency may require supplementation.
Overconsumption of Vitamin A can lead to liver damage, skin and bone fragility, and other symptoms, so caution must be exercised when using supplements.
- Despite positive comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vitamin A supplements like cod liver oil do not function as a preventive measure for measles.
- In the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S., ingesting fish oil (which contains cod liver oil) as a preventive measure is not advised, due to the risk of Vitamin A toxicity.
- Vitamin A, often found in cod liver oil, can help alleviate symptoms in those already infected with measles but is not a viable solution for preventing the illness.
- Proper intake of cod liver oil should be managed carefully because of its potential for Vitamin A toxicity, depending on one's health conditions and age.
- Though vitamin A aids in boosting the immune system and maintaining eye health, it is not an effective means to combat the conditions associated with measles.
