Measles remains unprevented through vitamin A intake; experts clarify the role of this supplement.
Mandatory Vaccination Urged Amidst Resurgence of Measles Outbreak in U.S.
The United States is currently grappling with an escalating measles outbreak, spanning 30 states with over 1,000 cases and three confirmed deaths, as of May 15, 2025. The epidemic has largely affected western Texas and New Mexico, but measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and several other states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises travelers to exercise caution in affected areas.
Historically, measles has been effectively controlled as an infectious disease; however, two significant outbreaks have occurred in the last few decades. These events, including the 2005 Indiana outbreak, were attributed to undervaccination.
Recently, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has suggested that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown promising results in treating measles. While the CDC acknowledges vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, they maintain that vaccination remains the most effective precaution against the disease.
Medical News Today spoke to three medical and public health experts – infectious disease specialist Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, and pediatricians Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP – to address common questions regarding vitamin A supplements for measles and measures for preventing the spread of the disease.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision and immune system functioning, is plentiful in foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables. Three experts concur that although vitamin A can help the immune system, it does not protect against measles. However, when someone has measles, their body may experience a vitamin A deficiency, which could exacerbate symptoms. In such cases, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin for treating measles has received criticism from experts. Budesonide and similar steroids have not been substantiated as a standard treatment for measles. While a recent study showed no harm from steroid use in measles, there is no indication for the routine use of these medications in managing measles.
Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is not considered appropriate for treating measles itself, as it is reserved for confirming bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
Protecting Yourself Against Measles
Patients with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and four days after the onset of the rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines. The most effective means of protecting oneself against measles is vaccination, particularly for individuals residing in areas affected by the outbreak, such as western Texas and New Mexico. Children who have not been vaccinated should also receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: Essential Facts
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Consuming too much vitamin A can cause damage to the body and lead to toxicity, characterized by symptoms like skin and bone fragility, liver damage, and other related effects. It is essential to be mindful of the daily consumption limits, with adults not exceeding 3,000 mcg and children receiving appropriately lower doses.
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- U.S. measles cases have risen exceedingly, totaling over 1,000 cases in 30 states. The current death toll stands at three.
- Outbreaks have predominantly occurred in western Texas and New Mexico, but cases have also been reported in California, New York, Maryland, and other states.
- Two significant measles outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. in the last few decades, due to undervaccination.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that vitamin A, cod liver oil, budesonide, and clarithromycin have shown promising results in treating measles.
- The CDC suggests vaccination as the best method for preventing measles infection.
- Although vitamin A can help with immune system functioning, it does not protect against measles and has no role in prevention.
- Budesonide and clarithromycin have not been substantiated as standard treatments for measles.
- The only effective precaution against measles is vaccination.
- Patients diagnosed with measles should isolate themselves for four days before and four days after the onset of the rash.
- Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement. Consuming too much vitamin A can cause toxicity and other related effects.
- While vitamin A can help with immune system functioning in individuals who have measles, it does not protect against the disease and has no role in prevention.
- In cases where someone has measles, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A may be beneficial, considering their body may experience a vitamin A deficiency that could exacerbate symptoms.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of the steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin for treating measles has received scrutiny from experts.
- Budesonide and similar steroids have not been substantiated as a standard treatment for measles, and there is no indication for the routine use of these medications in managing measles.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, is not considered appropriate for treating measles itself, as it is reserved for confirming bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- The CDC maintains that vaccination remains the most effective precaution against measles, particularly for individuals residing in areas affected by the outbreak, such as western Texas and New Mexico.
- Protecting oneself against measles infection involves isolating when diagnosed, avoiding affected areas, and ensuring that children who have not been vaccinated receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
- Experts concur that although vitamin A can help the immune system, it does not protect against measles, since it is a single vitamin among various essential nutrients needed for optimal health-and-wellness.
- Mental-health and nutrition play a crucial role in overall health, emphasizing the importance of balanced foodandfoodbenefits, chronic-diseases prevention, and lifestyle choices that support such wellness.
- Healthier diets, rich in fish, vegetables, and other whole foods containing conditionsupplements like vitamin A, can help ensure the body gets what it needs to function optimally, while avoiding nutrition-related health challenges.
