Measles resistance is not conferred by Vitamin A. Specialists clarify its true functions.
In the United States, the number of measles cases has escalated dramatically, surpassing the 1,000 mark across 30 states, with reported fatalities. As of May 15, 2025, three confirmed deaths have occurred.
The latest outbreaks have predominantly occurred in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional cases in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, historically a well-managed infectious disease, has seen occasional surges, with the U.S. experiencing major outbreaks in recent decades, such as the Indiana outbreak of 2005, stemming from undervaccination.
In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, interest in vitamin A supplements as potential treatments or preventatives for measles has increased. According to Kennedy Jr., vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown promising results in treating measles.
However, the CDC strongly advises vaccination as the most effective prevention against measles outbreaks.
Upon investigating the effectiveness of vitamin A in preventing or treating measles, Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco; Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, also a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can Vitamin A Protect or Treat Measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining proper vision and supporting the immune system," Dr. Fisher explained. While vitamin A is integral to the functioning of the immune system, it provides no defense against infectious diseases like measles.
When someone has the measles virus, their body may encounter a temporary vitamin A deficiency, in which case treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial. However, vitamin A is not effective as a preventive measure against measles.
Dr. Ganijan agreed, stating that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered supportive care during treatment for measles.
In a Cochrane review, it was shown that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children under the age of 2 years old with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplements for adults and children with measles.
Budesonide, Clarithromycin, and Measles
Following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s praise of the medications budesonide and clarithromycin, concerns have arisen about touting their supposed benefits for the treatment of measles.
According to Dr. Ganjian, there is no evidence to support the routine use of budesonide, a steroid, or other steroids, as standard treatments for measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study revealed no harm from steroid use in measles, it is not a recommended protocol for measles management.
Regarding clarithromycin, an antibiotic, its primary use is for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles. Dr. Ganjian emphasized that antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia or otitis media, and not as routine or prophylactic therapy.
Protecting Yourself from Measles
Measles patients are considered contagious from the onset of the rash, with the CDC recommending isolation for four days before and after the rash appears to prevent transmission.
Dr. Ganjian advised that patients with measles should remain in isolation to prevent disease spread during the recommended period.
Dr. Fisher underscored that vaccination is the only effective method of preventing measles. For those living in areas experiencing an outbreak, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for vaccination, particularly if they have not been vaccinated previously.
"Vitamin A is used exclusively for patients who already have measles and is not a preventive measure," Dr. Gandhi added.
Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and Recommended Intake
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. However, consuming cod liver oil in high amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, with potential adverse effects on the liver, bones, central nervous system, and skin.
The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age, with babies and children requiring less than adults, particularly for women. In resource-rich countries like the U.S., most people can obtain their daily vitamin A intake from their diets, with the exception of certain populations, such as premature infants or those with celiac disease.
- Despite increased interest following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments, vitamin A is not effective as a preventive measure against measles.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises vaccination as the most effective prevention against measles outbreaks.
- Budesonide, a steroid, is not recommended for measles treatment, and there is no evidence to support its routine use as a standard treatment.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is primary used for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- Measles patients are considered contagious from the onset of the rash, and isolation for four days before and after the rash appears is recommended to prevent transmission.
- According to medical and public health experts, vitamin A is used exclusively for patients who already have measles and is not a preventive measure. Similarly, nutrition from food and food benefits, such as those found in fish oil or cod liver oil, do not provide any defense against measles.
