Measles not contingent on vitamin A for prevention; specialists detail true functions of supplement.
In the United States, measles cases have skyrocketed, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases across over 30 states as of May 15, 2025, resulting in three known deaths. Western Texas and New Mexico have been the epicenters of the outbreak, but other states like California, New York, and Maryland have reported cases as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued traveler alerts due to this rising trend.
Measles, once a well-controlled infectious disease, has experienced two major resurgences in recent decades, primarily due to vaccine hesitancy and undervaccination. One of these outbreaks occurred in 2005 in Indiana.Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested that vitamin A supplements, like cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin could potentially aid in treating or preventing measles. However, it is crucial to note thatthe CDC still asserts vaccination as the most effective measure against the disease.
Medical News Today spoke to three medical experts to address common questions about the role of vitamin A supplements in measles prevention and treatment, as well as preventive strategies.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a vital nutrient that supports vision and the immune system, can be found in a variety of common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. While it strengthens the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. Conversely, the disease itself can result in vitamin A deficiency, exacerbating symptoms.
"Two doses of vitamin A are recommended for children, particularly those under the age of 2 years old, with severe measles, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for adults and children with measles," explained infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH from the University of California, San Francisco.
However, vitamin A supplements do not serve as a preventive measure against measles. "Young adults and children in resource-rich countries like the United States consume their daily recommended intake of vitamin A through their diets, making vitamin A supplements unnecessary as a preventive measure," explained pediatrician Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP.
Is there any truth to the claims about budesonide and clarithromycin for measles treatment?
There exists little scientific backing for the routine use of budesonide or other steroids to treat measles. Although a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles treatment, there is currently no clear indication for their use in managing the disease. According to infectious disease expert Dan Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, antibiotics should only be used if there is a confirmed bacterial infection like pneumonia or otitis media. Clarithromycin is not recommended for treating measles itself.
In summary, vitamin A supplementation is beneficial for those who already have measles as it can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, particularly in young children and malnourished populations. However, it is not a substitute for vaccination and should not be used as a preventive measure against measles. Vaccination remains the most effective and widely accepted method for preventing the spread of measles.
- In some medical conditions, such as severe measles, particularly among children under the age of 2 years old, two doses of vitamin A are recommended.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for adults and children with measles.
- While vitamin A is a necessary nutrient that supports the immune system, it does not protect against infectious diseases like measles.
- In resource-rich countries like the United States, young adults and children consume their daily recommended intake of vitamin A through their diets, making vitamin A supplements unnecessary as a preventive measure.
- There exists little scientific backing for the routine use of steroids like budesonide to treat measles.
- A recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles treatment, but there is currently no clear indication for their use in managing the disease.
- According to infectious disease expert Dan Ganjian, antibiotics should only be used if there is a confirmed bacterial infection like pneumonia or otitis media, and clarithromycin is not recommended for treating measles itself.
- Vaccination remains the most effective and widely accepted method for preventing the spread of measles, offering better protection than nutritional supplements like vitamin A or scientifically unproven treatments like budesonide or clarithromycin.
