Measles prevention doesn't rely on Vitamin A. Instead, learn the true functions of this nutrient.
Measles cases are on the rise in the U.S, with over 1,000 reported across multiple states as of May 15, 2025. Despite recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., touting vitamin A supplements as a potential treatment for measles, medical experts advise that these supplements provide no preventive benefits, but can worsen symptoms if the body is already deficient in the vitamin due to the disease.
In light of the outbreak, Medical News Today consulted three medical and public health experts to answer common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and measures people can take to prevent the spread.
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for vision and immune system functioning. It's found in various foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables," Danelle Fisher, MD explained.
All three experts agreed that vitamin A is not a preventive measure for measles. However, it can help treat the disease, as the measles virus can lead to a vitamin A deficiency in the body. In such cases, two doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial.
"Severe Vitamin A deficiency did lead to more severe outcomes with measles in the past. A Cochrane review 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 this practice for adults and children with measles as well," Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, stated.
While antibiotics are not recommended for treating measles, there is a misconception centered around two medications - budesonide and clarithromycin. "There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide as a standard treatment for measles, and its routine use should not be considered standard of care," Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, underscored. As for clarithromycin, it should only be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia or otitis media.
To stem the tide of the outbreak, the best course of action is vaccination, particularly for those in affected areas or those who have yet to be vaccinated, as children can experience severe cases of measles. Yet, supply shortages and misinformation about the MMR vaccine have contributed to the resurgence of the disease. It is essential to consult with your doctor if you have not been vaccinated or are unsure about your vaccination status.
- Foodandfoodbenefits highlight the importance of vitamins like vitamin A, found in various foods including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables.
- In the midst of the rising measles cases, science has found no preventive benefits of retinol (vitamin A) supplements, but two doses may help treat severe cases where a deficiency may have occurred.
- Measles can lead to chronic-diseases like severe vitamin A deficiency, but medical-conditions experts advise against using vitamin A supplements as a preventive measure.
- Amidst the outbreak, it is essential to consult general-news sources and health-and-wellness professionals regarding the outbreak, vaccination options, and misinformation surrounding vitamins and medications, such as budesonide and clarithromycin.
- Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition play crucial roles in boosting the immune system, making it more resilient to diseases like measles.
- While antibiotics are not recommended for treating measles, certain medications like clarithromycin may be used if there is clinical evidence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or otitis media.
- Politics and public health face challenges due to misinformation and supply shortages regarding the MMR vaccine, emphasizing the need for education and awareness campaigns to ensure timely vaccination for those at risk and curb the spread of measles.
