Measles prevention isn't achievable through Vitamin A. Experts clarify its real functions.
The United States is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 cases reported across 30 states as of May 15, 2025, resulting in three confirmed deaths. The outbreak has primarily been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, but measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised travelers to exercise caution.
Measles, traditionally a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced several surges in recent decades, most notably the Indiana outbreak in 2005, which was fuelled by undervaccination.
In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, some individuals have turned to vitamin A supplements in the hope of either treating or preventing measles. Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, the agency continues to recommend vaccination as the primary means of protection.
Medical News Today spoke to three experts, including an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians, to address common questions regarding vitamin A supplements, measles, and prevention measures.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
An essential nutrient for vision and the immune system, vitamin A is found in a variety of foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. However, all three experts emphasized that vitamin A provides no such benefit as a preventive measure against measles. Although it may help the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. In the case of measles, the body may develop a vitamin A deficiency, but treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful in addressing this deficiency.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Following Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of budesonide and clarithromycin for treating two children with measles, many experts have expressed concerns over promoting unproven benefits of these medications for viral infections like measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no compelling evidence to support their routine use in measles management. Limited data exists on the use of budesonide, and further research is necessary to clarify its potential role, if any, in measles management. Clarithromycin is not recommended for the treatment of measles itself, as it is reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections.
Protecting yourself against measles
People with measles are contagious from the onset of the measles rash until four days after its appearance. The CDC recommends isolating those diagnosed with measles for 4 days before and 4 days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. The only effective measure to prevent measles is vaccination. In light of the growing outbreak, health authorities suggest that young children receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose administered at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should seek one to two doses of the MMR vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: understanding the role
Cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A, but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. While diet typically provides sufficient vitamin A for most people, some populations, such as premature infants or those with conditions affecting dietary absorption, like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements to meet their daily vitamin A requirements. However, consuming vitamin A in excessive amounts can result in toxicity, causing various health problems such as skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, and other symptoms. taking Vitamin A supplements in moderation is essential to avoid toxicity.
High amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, including liver damage. It is important to be mindful of daily intake levels, with no more than 3,000 mcg for adults and lower amounts for children, to prevent Vitamin A poisoning. While diet provides Vitamin A for most people, certain populations with dietary restrictions or conditions affecting absorption may require supplementation.
Prioritizing vaccination for measles prevention
In conclusion, the available evidence supports the use of vitamin A as a supportive treatment in measles cases but does not prevent the infection itself nor serve as a substitute for vaccination. While further research may be necessary to clarify the potential role of budesonide and clarithromycin in measles management, vaccination remains the primary and most effective intervention to prevent measles infection and its complications.
- In the midst of the significant measles outbreak in the United States, some individuals are turning to vitamin A supplements as a treatment or preventive measure, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend vaccination as the primary means of protection.
- Essential for vision and the immune system, vitamin A can be found in a variety of foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables, but it provides no benefits as a preventive measure against measles.
- Although vitamin A may help the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles, and treatment with oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful in addressing deficiencies that may occur during the course of measles.
- In light of the growing measles outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for all individuals, including young children between 12 and 15 months of age and older children, teens, and adults who are not yet vaccinated.
- Cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, can be a complex supplement, and while diet typically provides sufficient vitamin A for most people, certain populations may require supplements to meet their daily vitamin A requirements.
- While further research is necessary to clarify the potential role of budesonide and clarithromycin in measles management, vaccination remains the primary and most effective intervention to prevent measles infection and its complications, as well as the only proven method of protection against measles.
