Measles is not discouraged by Vitamin A; instead, this vitamin performs distinct functions within the body. Experts clarify its real achievements.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak that has spread across 30 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of May 15, 2025, there have been over 1,000 reported cases and three confirmed deaths, most concentrated in western Texas and New Mexico.
Beyond these two states, measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and numerous other locations. The CDC has urged travelers to exercise caution due to the increasing reach of the disease.
Historically, measles has been a well-controlled infectious disease, with only occasional outbreaks. The U.S. experienced two major measles outbreaks in recent years, including the outbreak in Indiana in 2005, both of which were attributed to undervaccination.
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has advocated for vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, as potential treatments for measles. While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it maintains that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease.
Medical News Today spoke to three experts to address common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and preventative measures people can take:
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA offered their insights on the topic.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that aids in vision and immune system functionality. It can be found in various common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables.
All three experts confirmed that vitamin A is not beneficial as a preventative measure against measles but can help lessen symptoms for those already infected with the disease.
“Vitamin A supports the immune system, but it does not protect against infectious diseases such as measles. When someone contracts measles, their body may develop a vitamin A deficiency, and treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can provide some relief,” explained Fisher.
Ganijan stated that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, is considered “supportive care” during a measles infection and has been shown to reduce mortality in severe cases of measles.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Following Kennedy Jr.’s praises for budesonide and clarithromycin in treating two children with measles, concerns have been raised about using these unproven medications for the treatment of a viral infection.
Ganijan advised that there is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent retrospective cohort study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in measles management, and their use should not be considered standard of care.
As antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles, clarithromycin is not recommended for measles itself. Its use should only be considered if there is evidence of a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia or otitis media.
How to protect yourself against measles
The CDC has made it clear that people are contagious with measles from the rash’s onset. Current recommendations suggest people with measles isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent the transmission of the disease.
Patients with measles should remain in isolation for four days before the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines.
Fisher emphasized that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination.
“Vitamin A is only advisable when a patient already has measles and is not a measure to prevent measles. Therefore, there is no need to take vitamin A to prevent measles,” said Gandhi.
“Make sure your children are vaccinated against measles, especially if you live in an area with an outbreak. If you haven’t been vaccinated as a child, seek advice from your doctor,” she added.
- The CDC recommends that people with measles isolate themselves from others for four days to prevent the transmission of the disease.
- Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that can be found in various common foods such as eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables.
- While the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, it maintains that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, stated that vitamin A supplementation for children, during a measles infection, is considered "supportive care" and has been shown to reduce mortality in severe cases of measles.
- There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for measles, according to infectious disease specialist Daniel Ganjian.
- According to Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician, the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination, and people should ensure their children are vaccinated against measles, especially if they live in an area with an outbreak.
