Measles resistance remains unachievable with Vitamin A. Specialists clarify its true functions within the body.
Revised Version:
- Measles cases have surged nationwide, with well over a thousand cases confirmed across multiple states.
- With recent remarks by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for the use of vitamin A supplements to treat or prevent measles, curiosity about these treatments has escalated.
- In an attempt to clear up common queries regarding vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention strategies, we spoke with three medical and public health pros to offer valuable insights.
The United States has recently been grappling with a massive measles outbreak, now affecting 30 states and resulting in at least three confirmed fatalities, as of May 15, 2025. The outbreak's heart has been in western Texas and New Mexico, with reported cases also appearing in California, New York, Maryland, and other locations. Travelers have been warned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay vigilant.
Measles, once generally under control, has experienced a few significant jumps in recent years. The U.S. witnessed two major measles outbreaks in the last few decades: the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005. Both events were driven by undervaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has claimed that vitamin A, found in supplements like cod liver oil, along with the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin, have shown "promising results" in addressing measles.
Although the CDC includes vitamin A as a possible treatment for measles, the agency still considers vaccination as the most effective way to protect against the disease.
To offer answers to measles-related questions, including the role of vitamin A supplements, and discuss preventative strategies, we chatted with three experts: an infectious disease specialist, and two pediatricians - Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays essential roles in vision and immunity. It can be found in common foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, orange, and green vegetables," Fisher explained.
All three experts agreed that vitamin A provides no benefits in terms of prevention but that the virus can cause vitamin A deficiency and exacerbate symptoms.
"While it does help the immune system, vitamin A does not protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone has the measles virus, their body may have a vitamin A deficiency. In such a condition, treatment with two oral doses of vitamin A can be helpful," Fisher said.
Ganijan explained that vitamin A supplementation, particularly for children, was considered "supportive care."
"It is true that severe Vitamin A deficiency led to more severe outcomes with measles in the past. A reviewed by Cochrane showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends it for adults and children with measles," Gandhi stated.
What about budesonide and clarithromycin?
After Kennedy Jr. ** evangelized** about two medications – steroid budesonide and antibiotic clarithromycin – for treating measles in children, various experts have voiced concerns about the unproven benefits of these medications for treating this viral infection.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as standard treatments for measles. Although a recent study found no evidence of harm from steroid use in measles, there is no clear indication for their routine use in managing measles cases, and their use should not be considered standard of care," Ganijian said.
"There is limited data on the use of budesonide specifically, and more research may be needed to clarify its role, if any, in measles management," he added.
Regarding clarithromycin, Ganijian highlighted that antibiotics are reserved for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
"Clarithromycin is not recommended for the treatment of measles itself. Antibiotics, including clarithromycin, should only be utilized if there is clear evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media, and they should not be employed as routine therapy," he clarified.
How to protect yourself against measles
The CDC states that people are contagious with measles from the rash's onset. As a result, it recommends that people who develop a rash isolate from others for four days.
"Patients with measles should isolate from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines," Ganijan explained.
Fisher underscored the fact that vaccination is the only effective method of preventing measles.
"Vitamin A does not serve as a preventive measure for measles. Therefore, there is no reason to consume Vitamin A to prevent measles in this day and age when we receive plenty of Vitamin A through our diets." - Monica Gandhi, MD
"The best strategy for preventing measles is getting vaccinated for it, particularly if you reside in an area affected by the outbreak (such as western Texas or New Mexico). For those who haven't been vaccinated in the past, get your children vaccinated as well. They are at a higher risk of experiencing severe reactions to measles," she advised.
Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know
Gandhi stated that cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids, making it a more intricate supplement.
"Cod liver oil contains large amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which are fat-soluble vitamins that can build up in the body if ingested in excessive amounts and translate to Vitamin A toxicity," Fisher warned.
Even though experts believe most people will meet their daily requirements through their diets, there might be instances where supplements are needed to ensure they receive the minimum daily dose.
"The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age. Babies and young children need approximately 300 mcg, while for adults, women should take ," said Fisher.
" In resource-rich countries like the United States, the majority of people consume the recommended daily allowance through their diets. Only certain populations, such as premature infants or individuals with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, require additional supplements" she added.
How much vitamin A is too much?
Gandhi warned about the potential damage that excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause to the body.
"Moreover, Vitamin A is a 'fat-soluble' vitamin, meaning it persists in the body and can cause toxicity (such as skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, etc.) if ingested in excessive amounts."
"When taking vitamin A supplements, it is essential to ensure they do not surpass certain daily levels, once again depending on age (not more than 3,000 mcg for adults, less for children)." - Danelle Fisher, MD
Current measles vaccine recommendations
On account of the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., current vaccination recommendations are as follows:
The CDC recommends that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6. Older children, teens, and adults who have not been vaccinated or who are unsure of their vaccination status should receive one or two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, with each dose at least 28 days apart.
If you are unaware of your vaccination history, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.
- The measles outbreak in the U.S. has been traced back to two major incidents in the past: the 1989 measles outbreak and the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both caused by undervaccination.
- In an effort to address concerns about vitamin A supplements for measles and prevention strategies, interviews were conducted with three medical and public health professionals.
- Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, stated that cod liver oil contains not only vitamin A but also vitamin D and fatty acids.
- According to Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, the recommended daily vitamin A intake for adults is 800 mcg.
- Daniel Ganjian, another pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, noted that antibiotics are only recommended for treating confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like measles.
- Vitamin A supplementation is considered "supportive care" for children with severe measles, according to Ganijian.
- Ganijian also stated that there is no evidence to support the use of steroids as standard treatments for measles.
- Fisher advised that the best strategy for preventing measles is getting vaccinated, particularly for those living in areas affected by the outbreak.
- Vitamin A, whether from supplements or cod liver oil, should not be consumed to prevent measles in the current age, according to Monica Gandhi.
- Excessive amounts of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as skin and bone fragility, headaches, and liver damage.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that vitamins A, cod liver oil, Budesonide, and clarithromycin have shown "promising results" in addressing measles, but this is not supported by scientific evidence or the CDC's recommendations.
- To clear up common queries regarding vitamin A supplements for measles prevention, interviews were conducted with three experts in the field of infectious disease, pediatrics, and public health.
- The current CDC recommendations for measles vaccine include a first dose at ages 12-15 months and a second dose at ages 4-6, with additional doses for older children and adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status.
- Clarithromycin is not recommended for the treatment of measles itself, but only for treating confirmed bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or otitis media.
- With at least three confirmed fatalities related to the measles outbreak, the CDC has issued warnings to travelers to stay vigilant.
- The use of vitamin A supplements for the prevention and treatment of measles has not been scientifically proven effective, despite recent claims by U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- A lifelong learner, Kennedy Jr. is known for taking an active interest in various issues affecting public health, including the link between vaccines and autism.
- In the absence of disease-modifying treatments, the focus is on preventative strategies, such as vaccination, and supportive care, such as the use of vitamin A supplements for children with severe measles.
- Online education platforms have emerged as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as infectious diseases and pediatrics.
- To further ensure they receive the minimum daily dose of vitamin A, some individuals may require supplements, such as those with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
- In some cases, sports and physical activities can help boost the immune system and promote overall health and wellness.
- Sports, such as football, baseball, hockey, golf, and basketball, are known for their role in promoting fitness and exercise.
- Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and prioritizing self-care practices like mindfulness, productivity, career development, and education and self-development can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
