Measles prevention isn't guaranteed by Vitamin A. Experts shed light on its true functions.
The United States is grappling with a significant measles outbreak that has spread to 30 states, resulting in over 1,000 cases and three confirmed deaths as of May 15, 2025. The outbreaks have largely been concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico, with additional reports in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories to be vigilant.
This latest rise in measles cases has sparked renewed interest in vitamin A supplements, following comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. The secretary suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown promise in treating measles. However, the CDC still recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention against measles infection.
To provide clarity on the use of vitamin A supplements for measles, Medical News Today spoke to three experts: an infectious disease specialist, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, and two pediatricians, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP. All three experts agreed that while vitamin A helps support the immune system, it does not provide any preventive benefits against infectious diseases like measles.
However, the experts explained that measles itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful. Ganijan also emphasized that severe Vitamin A deficiency in children has led to more severe outcomes with measles in the past, and the World Health Organization recommends its use in adults and children with measles.
The use of budesonide and clarithromycin as standard treatments for measles remains a topic of concern among experts, as evidence supporting their use is lacking. While Ganijan noted that a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management. The experts cautioned that antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections and not viral infections like measles.
To protect oneself against measles, the CDC recommends that people who have developed a rash isolate from others for four days. Vaccination remains the only effective prevention against measles. Fisher emphasized that vitamin A is not a preventive measure, and people should get vaccinated, especially in areas where the outbreak is occurring.
To ensure they get their daily dose of vitamin A, most people can consume it through their diets, especially in resource-rich countries like the United States. Only certain populations, such as premature infants or people with diseases that may interfere with dietary absorption, like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements.
The experts warned against consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A, which can cause damage to the body, including liver damage. They advised not exceeding certain daily levels depending on age to prevent toxicity. Fisher further explained that Vitamin A toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. People who consume diets with Vitamin A in them do not need regular Vitamin A supplementation.
In response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., the CDC now recommends that young children receive their first dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. If you have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, only had one dose, or are unsure if you've been fully vaccinated, experts recommend speaking with your doctor.
- Despite the rising measles outbreak in 30 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention against measles.
- The recent measles outbreak has rekindled interest in vitamin A supplements, particularly cod liver oil, due to comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.
- Despite vitamin A's immune-supporting properties, it does not provide any preventive benefits against infectious diseases like measles.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, and pediatricians Daniel Ganjian and Danelle Fisher agree that treatment with Vitamin A can be helpful for measles patients who experience Vitamin A deficiency.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin are topics of concern among experts as their use as standard treatments for measles lacks evidence.
- While limited evidence suggests no harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine usage in measles management.
- Antibiotics like clarithromycin should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections and not viral infections like measles.
- To protect against measles, those who develop a rash should isolate from others for four days.
- Vaccination remains the only effective prevention against measles, and people should get vaccinated, particularly in areas where the outbreak is occurring.
- Most people can consume their daily dose of vitamin A through their diets, especially in resource-rich countries like the United States.
- Supplements may be required for certain populations, such as premature infants or those with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
- Excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause damage to the body, including liver damage, and should be avoided to prevent toxicity.
- Symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity include nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.
- In response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., the CDC recommends young children receive their first MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should consult their doctor about receiving one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
