RFK Jr. Advocates Vitamin A for Measles: Expert Opinions

In the midst of a growing measles outbreak in the southwestern United States, RFK Jr.’s measles treatment suggestions are grabbing headlines – this time, for recommending vitamin A instead. 

The comment has sparked concern among health experts, who warn that, while vitamin A and measles are, indeed, linked, supplements are no substitute for vaccination and can pose serious health risks if misused.

Can Vitamin A Treat Measles? Doctors Weigh In on RFK Jr.'s Claim

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new U.S. Health Secretary and a longtime critic of vaccine mandates, recently authored an op-ed and appeared on Fox News, suggesting vitamin A supplementation for measles could help manage the disease. He referenced the CDC’s guidance and even suggested cod liver oil, a supplement rich in vitamin A and D, as part of the treatment.

While Kennedy acknowledged that the MMR vaccine works, he stopped short of encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, instead calling it a “personal decision.” This cautious language has raised eyebrows among doctors and researchers who feel the messaging dangerously mirrors anti-vaccine rhetoric.

Vitamin A and Measles: What's the Real Connection?

There is a legitimate medical use of vitamin A and measles, but it's specific and limited. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend vitamin A supplementation for children who are already infected with measles and are vitamin A deficient, which is often the case in low-resource settings.

It appears that measles can deplete the body's stores of this essential nutrient, and low vitamin A levels are linked to more severe outcomes like high fever, pneumonia, blindness, and even death. Supplementation in these situations can help reduce complications and support recovery.

However, in well-nourished populations like the U.S., vitamin A deficiency is rare. Routine use of high-dose vitamin A is not part of standard measles treatment guidelines in such settings.

Can Vitamin A Prevent Measles?

In short: no.

Experts stress that vitamin A does not prevent measles infection. According to Dr. Christopher Sudfeld of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, whose research Kennedy cited, vitamin A can reduce the severity of measles in deficient individuals, but it offers no protection against getting the virus in the first place.

“Measles prevention and vitamin A are not the same thing,” said Sudfeld. “The best intervention we have to prevent measles is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective.”

The Real Risk: Vitamin A Toxicity

One of the most pressing concerns is that people may start megadosing vitamin A in hopes of protecting themselves or their children. That’s risky. Vitamin A toxicity risks are real, especially because it's fat-soluble and builds up in the body over time.

Too much vitamin A can cause symptoms ranging from nausea and fatigue to liver damage and thinning bones. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. 

Public health experts worry that Kennedy’s statements might push people toward unsafe supplement use rather than proven protection methods.

The Gold Standard: Vaccination Still Leads the Way

As of June 5, 2025, the CDC reported a total of 1,168 confirmed cases. The trouble is, measles is incredibly contagious. A person can spread it days before symptoms appear, and airborne particles can linger for hours. That’s why measles treatment guidelines prioritize prevention over cure.

While vitamin A has a role in managing measles in specific cases, the broader message from health experts is clear: don’t confuse treatment with prevention.

What to Keep In Mind About Vitamin A and Measles

There’s no doubt that vitamin A and measles are linked in important medical contexts, but that doesn’t mean vitamin A can replace vaccination. 

RFK Jr.’s measles treatment comments may have been well-intentioned, but experts worry they could do more harm than good if they lead people to underestimate the seriousness of the disease or the value of the MMR vaccine.

If you’re worried about measles, the best step you can take isn’t heading to the supplement aisle. It’s heading to your GP and checking your vaccination status.