Measles not prevented by Vitamin A; experts clarify its true functions.
A measles outbreak has recently swept through several states in the United States, with more than a thousand cases reported as of May 15, 2025. Western Texas and New Mexico have borne the brunt of this surge, but cases have also been reported in states like California, New York, and Maryland. In response to this outbreak, people have been turning to vitamin A supplements for answers. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has touted the benefits of vitamin A, cod liver oil, and other supplements in treating measles.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that vitamin A can be used to help treat measles, the agency still recommends vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles infection. Medical News Today reached out to three experts - an infectious disease specialist and two pediatricians - to shed light on the role vitamin A plays in treating or preventing measles, and what individuals can do to protect themselves and their community.
Vitamin A: A Friend or Foe in the Fight Against Measles?
"Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that aids the immune system," explains Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. "It can be found in various foods, such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables."
While vitamin A does help the immune system, neither Dr. Gandhi nor the other experts endorse it as a preventative measure against measles. Instead, the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency, leading to more severe symptoms.
"Although vitamin A plays a role in immune function, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone contracts the measles virus, their body may develop a vitamin A deficiency. In those cases, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help improve the situation," Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, explains.
Another expert, Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician, concurs, stating that vitamin A supplementation can be considered "supportive care" but offers no preventative benefits.
Steroids and Antibiotics: The Unproven Duo
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments on steroids like budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin as effective treatments for measles have raised concerns among experts. "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. Only limited data exist on the use of budesonide, and further research may be needed to clarify its role in measles management, if any," Dr. Ganjian warns.
Regarding clarithromycin, Dr. Ganjian emphasizes that antibiotics should only be used to treat confirmed bacterial infections associated with measles, such as pneumonia or otitis media. They should not be used as a routine or prophylactic therapy for measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
With the ongoing outbreak, it's crucial to take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your community. The CDC recommends that people remaining in isolation from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission. "Patients with measles should remain in isolation from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines," Dr. Ganjian advises.
Without a doubt, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring (West Texas, New Mexico). If you haven't been vaccinated before, get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles," Dr. Gandhi urges.
Cod Liver Oil: A Complex Supplement
Gandhi notes that cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, as well as fatty acids. While it's beneficial for a healthy diet, consuming large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which can cause issues such as liver damage, fragile bones, and more. Experts recommend ensuring not to exceed daily dose limits to avoid toxicity, depending on age.
In essence, while vitamin A may offer some benefits in treating measles, it's not a substitute for vaccination. Vigilant hygiene practices, mask-wearing, handwashing, and isolation for those with measles are essential during outbreaks. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and protect oneself and the community from measles.
- Dr. Monica Gandhi explains that vitamin A, found in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and certain vegetables, assists the immune system.
- According to the experts, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles, and it can be depleted by the measles itself, causing more severe symptoms.
- Dr. Danelle Fisher states that treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can help improve the situation when someone contracts the measles virus and develops a vitamin A deficiency.
- Dr. Daniel Ganjian advises that steroids like budesonide and antibiotics like clarithromycin are not standard treatments for measles, and their use should be backed by evidence.
- To prevent transmission during an outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends isolating patients with measles from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash.
- Dr. Gandhi urges that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, especially in areas where the outbreak is occurring, and advises getting children vaccinated as well. In addition, adhering to hygiene practices, wearing masks, handwashing, and isolating those with measles are essential during outbreaks. While cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A and D, is beneficial for overall health, consuming large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, causing issues such as liver damage and fragile bones.
