Vitamin A cannot prevent measles. Vitamin A may be useful as a supplemental treatment once someone has a measles infection, especially if they have a severe case of measles or low vitamin A levels and are under the care of a doctor.
Most people get enough vitamin A in their diet from foods like carrots, bell peppers, fish, broccoli, yogurt, and chicken. However, some people may need a supplement. Because vitamin A builds up in the body over time, there is a risk of vitamin toxicity with taking too much supplemental vitamin A. For example, during pregnancy, vitamin A toxicity can cause birth defects, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking additional vitamin A.
The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of measles vaccine. This is primarily administered as part of the MMR vaccine.
