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Educate. Thrive.

Your resource for health and wellness information

Eating Liver in Pregnancy - Is it Safe?

11/5/2018

58 Comments

 
I received a wonderful comment on another blog post of mine, "Top 10 Foods to Prepare for Labor and Delivery." In that post I list Liver as one of my Labor and Delivery prep superfoods. The commenter brought up the concern that liver is an extremely rich source of Vitamin A, and excess Vitamin A in pregnancy is associated with birth defects. Her concern was that I may be giving out dangerous information in regards to suggesting liver consumption for labor preparation. I truly welcome these comments and concerns, as they offer an avenue for discussion, and this is a great topic of discussion.

Eating Liver in Pregnancy - Is it Safe?

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Written by Sarah Thompson Functional Medicine Acupuncturist & Doula
I love liver. Yes, I literally do, and so do my children. My family is a subsistence meat eating family, meaning we hunt for our meat. Every fall we fill our freezer with some of the highest quality meat to be found, this includes the organs. My children will fight each other over the last sliver of heart fajitas (a fall delicacy at our home). You've also never seen two little girls more excited over the giblets in a bird. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching them "patiently" waiting for the fried liver and heart of little game birds and chickens. 
Not everyone loves liver as much as I do, for various reasons. But no one hates liver more than the modern medical system. There have been several myths over the decades, in regards to liver, that have been debunked. Like the "it filters toxins and therefore is toxic." Which we know is not the case. The liver is not a storage organ for toxins, it is a storage organ for vitamins...which is why it is one of my superfoods. 
In 1995 an article written in the New York Times stirred the prenatal nutrition pot. This article Study Links Excess Vitamin A to Birth Defects create a swirl of thought and discussion over the dietary intake of foods like in Vitamin A, like liver. The article stated;
Women who consume excessive amounts of vitamin A during the early months of pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in their unborn children, a large new study has shown...The study showed that 1 baby in 57 born to women taking doses of vitamin A above 10,000 international units daily was damaged as a result...The higher the doses consumed, the greater the risk, the researchers found. Babies born to women who consumed more than 10,000 international units of the vitamin daily were 2.4 times as likely to be born with such defects as babies exposed to 5,000 international units or less. But babies exposed to 20,000 international units during the first three months of gestation were about four times as likely to be born with defects that included cleft lip, cleft palate, hydrocephalus and major heart malformations.
Let's come back to this. First, before I continue, I think it is pertinent to explain what Vitamin A is, exactly.

Understanding Vitamin A

Vitamin A comes in 2 dietary forms; Provitamin A Carotenoids (Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Crypoxanthin) and Preformed Vitamin A Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, and Retinoic Acid).

There are also synthetic versions of Vitamin A. These are created in the laboratory, and are often used in supplementation, and in research. The tend to be more water-soluble, and easier to regulate in trials, but also more toxic. 

Carotenoids in the diet are converted to Retinol (the more usable form of Vitamin A). The Liver stores Vitamin A in an alcohol based form called Retinyl Esters. (which is why it is such an nutritional powerhouse for dietary retinol - esters are converted to retinol in the small intestines). There is a negative feedback mechanism in place that "measures" the levels of retinol in the liver. When there are adequate levels of Vitamin A in the body, there is actually an inhibition of both absorption of of Carotenoids from the diet and a decrease in conversion to Retinol in the Liver.  The ratio varies from 4:1 to 55:1. Conversion is also limited in the presence of other nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc. 
Carotenoids are potent antioxidants. There are over 750 of them found in plants with only Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene and Beta-Cryptoxanthin being able to convert to Vitamin A Retinol. Beta-Carotene is the one most commonly referenced. On their own, Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that help neutralize toxins in the body. In order to actually function, they must be converted to retinol. There main dietary function is the serve as a source of Retinol, as Retinol is the true Vitamin A.
When you hear "Vitamin A" what you should really be hearing is "Retinol." This is the usable form of Vitamin A in the body. It is ESSENTIAL for human health and development. It is converted into Retinal and Retinoic Acid dependant on the body's needs.  Retinol functions on a cellular level, controlling cellular development and growth. Retinol plays a very important part in the development of embryos. Retinal is used in eye health and development. Retinoic Acid is necessary for hormone function and genetic expression, as well as tooth and bone growth...all important functions for pregnancy, childbirth and fetal development.

Back to the Studies: Vitamin A Toxicity Fear

So, this specific study that is mentioned in the New York Times was a survey study done at Boston University School of Medicine. Meaning the Dr. conducting the study interviewed 22,748. He did in depth interviewing into the supplements they were taking and the foods they were eating. 98.6% of the women interviewed were well under the toxic amount of Vitamin A. Those that were consuming higher amounts, received the majority of this Vitamin A in synthetic form from prenatal vitamins and fortified foods. When you read the actual article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, very little of the Vitamin A supplied was via natural foods. The majority was via supplementation.
This isn't the only study that has been done. In fact there have been several, dating back to 1967 in fact.  The finding were slightly varied, based on methods, but there are some key features in these articles that need to be addressed.
  • The first thing to note is that the research done between 1967 - 1986 that are most frequently referenced were done using a synthetic and isolated form of Vitamin A that was water soluble. This meant that it did not accumulate in the tissues as readily as dietary Vitamin A and was easier to regulate for testing. But, because it did not accumulate, it did not activate the negative feedback mechanisms in the Liver that regulate Vitamin A metabolism. (interesting) The synthetic forms have a long history of being linked with birth defects, in lab animals and humans.
  • In one study, dosages of 35,000iu of were given daily during the first 10 days of a rats gestation cycle (gestation is 16 weeks longs) in one study to induce birth defects. That's a HUGE amount per weight.
  • Isotretinoin is a synthetic Vitamin A that was been linked to birth defects, and is commonly found in Accutane.
  • These defects are only seen when high doses of Vitamin A are consumed in the first trimester. 
  • In order to elicit birth defects, dosage needed to be maintained at high levels daily over the course of weeks - months.
The link between dietary Vitamin A and birth defects is literally non-existent. In fact, you would need to consume in excess of 20,000iu per day of retinol (not beta-carotene) over the course of weeks/months in order to induce an overdose dietarily. (if you are eating that much liver, you like liver way more than I am giving the population credit for.) Not a single study links Beta-Carotene consumption to birth defects.
Because Liver is a rich source of Retinol (via esters), it has been the dietary black sheep for the prenatal diet since the first study linked high levels of Vitamin A (via synthetic). The amount of Vitamin A reserves found in Liver is not static and can range from 3,000iu per 3oz to 12,000iu per 3o, with some sources (depending on region and diet) can be upward of 25,000iu per ounce serving. This includes your Cod Liver Oil Fish Oil supplements. 

Liver in Pregnancy Take Home

So, to reiterate:
  • Check your prenatal, other supplements (life fish oils) and your consumption of synthetic, fortified vitamins in the diet. You are more likely to be exposed to overdoses that are linked to birth defects from those sources. Need a good prenatal, let me know. 
  • Birth defects were seen after DAILY CONSUMPTION OVER WEEKS - MONTHS at high levels (exceeding 10,000 iu) of preformed Vitamin A, not ProVitamin A Carotenoids.
  • Play it safe and limit Liver to 1x per month in the first trimester...if you just love Liver and need to eat it.

Comment Revisited - Vitamin A Benefits Labor

To answer the question and concern left on my previous post about the fear of Liver consumption, excess Vitamin A and the possibility that I was giving out dangerous information. The answer is that consuming Liver in the last couple of weeks of pregnancy WILL NOT cause birth defects in your baby. The research supports these concerns IF, and only IF, there is an excess consumption of preformed (either dietary Retinol esters, or synthetic) during preconception and the first trimester. 

Liver is fair game in the preparation for Childbirth.

In fact, the Retinoic Acid + Increasing levels of Estrogen at term are responsible for the stimulation and increase of Oxytocin receptors on the uterus.

  1. Informed Health Online [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. How does the liver work? 2009 Sep 17 [Updated 2016 Aug 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279393/
  2. ​https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids
  3. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-A
  4. Accutane and birth Defects
  5. Effects of Retinoic Acid and Estrogens on Oxytocin Gene Expression
  6. USDA Food Composition Database
58 Comments
Eva
2/9/2019 01:38:55 pm

Thank you so, so much for your article. I actually just found out i am 2 weeks pregnant (baby was conceived 2 weeks ago), and i had no idea liver could be a problem.
I talked to my doctors, one was very dismissive, the other very concerned and said there were risks.
I realise you cannot tell me what to do, but please let me ask you your honest opinion:
- 4 days before conception I ate 300 000 ui of retinol via 400g of cod liver, around conception day i had a bit more, and 10 days after conception i had around 60 000 ui via 200 g of beef liver, but the day after i got really really really sick (no need for details, you know what i mean).
My husband and I are mad with anxiety and all i do is cry and cry.
Once more i am so sorry to ask you this, but do you think our baby is at risk? Should we consider ending this pregnancy because the damage is too bad?
We are having an ultrasound in 2 weeks, but my mind keep racing and wondering if it would be better to end this pain right now.
i am getting mad with grief and fear, i don't want to inflict birth defects on this baby, all by my fault and ignorance.
Any answer from you will mean a lot to me.
Once more sorry for this.
Eva

Reply
Chhoden Wangchuk
10/23/2020 11:06:01 pm

Dear Eva
By now you must have given birth to your baby. how is the baby. I am also so worried because I had a cup of beef liver in my 3rd week of pregnancy without knowing liver would be dangerous. So I would like to hear your personal experience

Reply
Dunnis
9/27/2021 01:57:03 am

Hi Chhoden, was your baby fine? i had 200g of beef liver at week 10, i am 18 weeks now

Sabrina Tripodi
12/27/2022 06:30:24 am

Hi! I'm now in the same situation. Could you please tell me how are you and your baby now? THANKS! I'm Sabrina from Italy and I had 150gr of beef liver when I was 5 week pregnant

Sarah Thompson
2/9/2019 04:07:00 pm

Hi Eva,

Thank you for you comment, and I am sorry you are getting such conflicting information...just goes to show how limited the education is on the subject. Of course I cannot tell you what to do, BUT I can give you some more research on the subject to help you in making your decisions. If you would like to consult via phone, please feel free to call the office (970) 631-8119.

From what I understand from the research, single doses (like what you are describing, DO NOT increase risk). It takes a daily dose of exceeding 10,000 (or more in some studies) throughout the first trimester, to induce birth defects.

There were some great reports done by:
Baltimore-Washington Heart Study
European Network of Teratology Information

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199511233332101
This study showed that consumption of 15,000iu from SUPPLEMENTS (big difference from food, depending on the soruce) was associated with risk increase..but it had to be consumed daily before the 7th week.

I hope this helps. If you'd like to talk, please call the office.

Sarah Thompson

Reply
Eva
2/13/2019 02:16:19 pm

Dear Sarah,
thank you so much for your help,
I took some time to go through the research, which indeed shows that problems come from these very high intakes daily during at least 2 weeks, and also seems to show that Vit A from supplements and from food has very different outcomes...
I will definitely ring the office to consult via the phone!
Thank you for the work you do
Best regards
Eva

Reply
Ana
11/17/2022 07:53:24 am

Hello Eva,

I would like to know if possible the outcome of this. I am in a similar situation and very scared . Currently in week 7.

Many thanks in advance.

Chhoden Wangchuk
10/23/2020 11:28:55 pm

Dear Sarah
I am seeing your this post made in 2019 and I thought you would be best to consult to. I am 4 weeks pregnant and in my 3rd week I had a cup of beef liver not knowing it’s dangerous la. So please advice if it’s dangerous. I had been planning this baby long time back and I am take folate supplements also unfortunately I did not know liver is risky

Reply
rahulhealtheoz link
3/8/2019 01:38:20 am

Every time It gives superb updates in a blog and almost every day, there are lots of info in tools section like pregnancy nutrition myths, healthy food, diet during pregnancy, folic acid and many more. This is a complete pregnancy website.

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
3/8/2019 09:30:08 am

Thank you so much for your comment. It is my goal to put forth as much information as I can to encourage knowledge and health.

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Kathleen
3/11/2019 10:20:04 am

Thank you so much for such well-researched and thoughtful responses to the question of retinol as part of prenatal nutrition. You mentioned you had a recommendation for a good prenatal--would love to know which one(s) you suggest!

Reply
Sarah Thompson
3/11/2019 11:54:52 am

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you for you comment. It is always great to hear what people think of my articles.

As for the prenatal vitamins I recommend, it really varies on the individual. If you'd like me to review your specific needs, please give me a call. But, there are 5 or so I bounce around between based on presentation.

These brands tend to have good prenatal vitamins
Seeking Health
Prothera
Klaire
My Kind Organics

But, it really is dependent on gestation and health history. Sometimes we need to add in additional minerals and such to balance out individual needs.

Regards,
Sarah

Reply
M
4/3/2019 11:22:56 am

Hi Sarah,

Thanks so much for this article. I am in very early pregnancy (2nd child) and am considering which supplements I'd like to take this time around. I have a friend who took grass fed beef liver supplements in place of a prenatal. I've been doing some research on this choice and came across your article. This is the brand I'm considering taking. https://ancestralsupplements.com/desiccated-liver I understand that beef liver is considered "natures multivitamin". I eat a very nutrient dense and varied diet that includes lots of healthy fats, probiotics and fermented foods, meat, and tons of fruits and vegetables. There is so much conflicting information online about the safety of retinol Vitamin A in pregnancy. Do you have any thoughts on this? I really appreciate it.

Reply
Sarah Thompson
4/3/2019 12:24:59 pm

Hi M,

Thanks for you comment. I'd love to chat with you over the phone on this. Yes, beef liver is a great multivitamins, but it cannot substitute for a quality prenatal, and could come with some risk. Please give me a call at the office (970) 631-8119 and we can set up a time to discuss your specific situation.

Sarah

Reply
Christie
11/26/2019 09:17:26 am

Hi there,
I’ve been taking a prenatal w 5,000 IU (beta carotene) and a grassfed organ supplement (630mcg/2100 IU Vitamin A, if I did that conversion properly). Have been doing so for a few months and am 7weeks preggers.
I had a panic moment where I thought, am I getting too much? I also take an omega 3 from Atlantic salmon. I don’t eat liver itself, but I do eat pasture raised eggs and animal products like dairy and lamb.
But from these calculations, it would seem I’m well below 10,000 IU, and also it looks like the beta carotene-based Vit A from the prenatal is likely not super absorbable anyway.
Is this rationale correct?
Thanks!!!

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
11/27/2019 03:27:56 pm

Hi Christie,

The Vitamin A debate can cause such unnecessary panic and anxiety. Most of the research was done based on medications, such as Accutane, that contain retinol. Your conversions seem about right. I'd love to talk with you, and would offer you a free phone consult if you are interested. I would love to learn more about your pregnancy, supplements, etc... Please feel free to give the office a call after Thanksgiving.

Regards,
Sarah

Reply
Christie
11/27/2019 03:44:57 pm

Oh my gosh. That would be incredible. Thank you so much!!!

I’ll give your office a call next week to set up a time.

I really appreciate your time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nina Sharma
9/2/2022 02:12:11 pm

Hi Christie I am taking the exact same and now I'm so worried and scared because iv just found out that this can cause the broth defects. Please reassure me I'm sick with worry, I assume you've had your baby now and how is she/he?

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Bec
12/9/2019 03:46:26 am

I heard liver was good in pregnancy and began taking freeze dried capsules as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I am now regretting this and wishing I had waited until the third trimester. I took the recommended daily amount on the container daily. Can you advise of what the risk is for my child? Would it be picked up on in an ultrasound? What damage could I have done?

Reply
Sarah Thompson
12/9/2019 08:42:30 am

Hi Bec,

First off take a deep breath! There is quite a bit of conflicting information out there on this subject. I would love to chat with you over the phone if you would like. Please feel free to give me a call at the office. (970) 631-8119

Regards,
Sarah

Reply
bec
12/11/2019 10:19:38 pm

I am from Australia - is there a way I can email or a good time to chat via skype or something similar?

Sarah Thompson
12/12/2019 12:34:58 pm

Hello Bec,

I have several international patients. I like to use the WhatsApp. If you would like to send me an email first, I would love to help you out. I'll do my best via email, and we can set up a virtual visit if necessary.

info@sacredvesselacupuncture.com

Regards,
Sarah

Reply
Maria Vanessa
1/12/2020 11:24:21 pm

Hello Miss Sarah,

I'm really glad I found this article. I'm 19 weeks and pregnant now. I was very worried earlier and wished I could vomit everything that I have eaten during lunch but I couldn't.

I've been craving for liver and last night I ate like 3 small slices of pork liver and this lunch I ate I serving of chicken liver. Then I did a research about eating liver during pregnancy and most of the results says that It could risk the development mof my baby.
It could cause congenital defects. I'm really really worried. I was very clueless before.

Do you think my baby is at risk now? What should I do?

Reply
Sarah Thompson
1/13/2020 02:32:23 pm

Hello Maria Vanessa,

I would love to chat with you as well, but quickly...according to the research studies, in order to cause defects upwards and above the level of 10,000iu of retinol based vitamin A would need to be consumed daily for several weeks in the first couple months of gestation. If you would like to chat about your specific situation, please give me a call at the office (970) 631-8119, or shoot me an email at info@sacredvesselacupuncture.com

Reply
Bianca
1/14/2020 05:16:09 am

Hi Sarah.

Thank you so much for this informative article.
I am second time pregnant, in my second trimester currently.
I struggled with severe morning sickness during the first few weeks of my pregnancy, and strangely craved chicken livers! I had consumed about a "handful" quantity once a day, over a period of a week.
I am burdened day and night with this...
Should I be worried?

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
1/15/2020 09:05:05 am

Hello Bianca,

So glad you reached out. If you would like to chat more in depth about your specific situation, please email me at info@sacredvesselacupuncture.com or give me a call at the office (970) 631-8119.

There is so much fear around the consumption of organs in moderation. The fear is heightened when we see large levels of consumption, especially of beef and other forms higher in retinol, and the congruent supplementation with retinol vitamin a (such as in multivitamins with high levels of this form and medications with retinol). Chicken livers are lower in retinol, and I truly believe in listening to some cravings. They are also high in B vitamins, which can be deficient in cases of extreme morning sickness.

Without knowing more information about your situation, I can't give you accurate advice. Generalizing, based on the limited about of liver you consumed, I would assume you are just fine. If you would like me to take a better look at your diet/supplements please contact me at the above contact options.

Reply
Lisa
12/27/2022 04:14:18 am

How are you now ? Is everything oké with the baby ? I did the same. I am worried

Reply
Neha
3/7/2020 03:02:18 am

Hi Sarah.
I'm currently 12 weeks pregnant and have consumed goat liver 3/4days(once in a week) in 2nd month of my pragnancy. Will it harm/ already harmed the fetus? Please help

Reply
Lyndsey
8/12/2020 07:14:11 pm

Hi
I am not pregnant yet, but my question is what is your thoughts on liver ( beef grass fed) capsules. I have been taking them for 6 month and it has allowed me to taper and eventually stop my antidepressant medication, which I am very excited about. I take 6 capsules daily which I believe is roughly 3,000 mg. Should I taper off of them or can I continue taking them? You have one of the only positive articles on liver.
Thanks so much

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
8/13/2020 12:36:31 pm

Hi Lyndsey,

I'd love to chat with you. Based on what you are saying, you should be safe, but it would be best to go over ALL of your supplements and medications (medications history even) to be for sure. That being said, I have not seen dangerous levels of Vitamin A in the beef liver supplementation.

If you would like to chat, feel free to give the office a call (970) 631-8119

Reply
Suzie
8/17/2020 05:11:42 pm

Hi,

I just found your article and thought it was super informative. I'm 9 weeks pregnant and trying to figure exactly what my body need and how to have a healthy pregnancy. You mentions pre natals. What ones do you recommend?

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
8/18/2020 06:46:45 am

Hello Suzie,

Navigating the world of preconception, prenatal nutrition is often cumbersome.

At 9-12 weeks your body is taking over the demand of your growing baby, and the placenta is well established (yet still growing).

There are so many good prenatal vitamins out there, and not one that fits all the demands of pregnancy, as the body changes.

If you haven't already, take a look at my other article on prenatal vitamin supplements.

In order to pick out a prenatal supplement, or group of supplements that are best for you, it would be pertinent to get a good health history and a current list of what you are doing.

But check out the article link below for a generic and informative look at prenatal vitamins.
https://www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com/educatethrive/your-prenatal-vitamin-sucksand-here-is-why

Reply
Michelle
8/20/2020 04:44:22 am

Hi

Thank you for the article.

I am in the same boat as so many of the ladies commenting. I consumed chicken liver during my 6th week of pregnancy. Took one serving and then 5 days later 2 servings in one day. I was craving it bad and thought that clearly my body needed whatever was in the liver.

I read that the risk would be daily overdose. But I also know the Vit A accumulates in the body over time. Would it be helpful to stop my prenatal containing 2666iu Vit A for a few days?





Reply
Sarah Thompson link
9/30/2020 01:27:40 pm

Hello Michelle,

I would love to chat with you over the phone. Please call the office to set up a free phone consultation.

Reply
Lisa
12/27/2022 04:12:32 am

I am in de same situation. How are you now ? Is everything oké with your baby ? I hope so.

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Sarah Smith
9/30/2020 08:28:02 am

I just found this article. I think I’m miscarrying. Not totally sure yet. I had NO idea liver was problematic. My morning sickness was so much better this time around and I swear it was the organ meat but I’ve been taking 4 paleovalley supplements a day and ALSO snacking on epic beef liver bites. One bag is more than 10,000 IU and I’ve eaten a bag at least once plus the supplements. I’m so mad at myself and sad. Even through your article is encouraging I still fear I over did the liver thing. Ugh.
I’m seven weeks and have spent the last two weeks consuming liver and or organ meat daily.

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
9/30/2020 01:26:48 pm

Oh Sarah,

You are not the first person to reach out to me with a similar story.

I would love to chat with you over the phone. Please give the office a call and we can set up a free phone consultation.

Reply
Liquid Filled Capsules link
2/4/2021 05:12:38 am

These are some great information that you have shared here about eating liver in pregnancy is it safe . I really loved it and thank you very much for sharing this with us. You have a great visualization and you have really presented this content in a really good manner.Do check out this Gembrahealth.com, it has some great and nice ideas to look for.

Reply
Zuzu
2/13/2021 11:28:17 am

Thank you for this!
I am in my 2nd trimester with my second son and I am drooling for a bit of liver for some time now. I am sure I ate liver once or twice with my first one and he turned out to be healthy, but as it's on the 'avoid' list of the NHS (without an proper explanation) I kept away from it to keep my baby safe, but with keep wondering if my body is craving for some liver (and all the vitamins and minerals in it) maybe I should listen to my body instead ... And that was the point I started to do my research when I found your summary.
I don't think it's fair to rule out for the majority to eat liver, especially based on the available statistics really ... when it contains naturally a lot of goodies too.

Reply
Lisa link
3/19/2021 07:50:08 am

Thank you so much for this article! Great break down of the research and explanation of why this is a misconception. I have people comment all the time on my pregnancy website about liver being bad during pregnancy. So nice to have somewhere to send them for quality info.

Reply
Alexandra
8/11/2021 06:14:07 am

Hello! I am doing some research on taking intact liver as a supplement through pregnancy as someone who has had cholesatsis of pregnancy, twice! Would their be healing benefits for my liver? Would this be dangerous? It was given to me to help subside the itching and act as a healing supplement. I would love any info you could provide on it. Thanks!!

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Jordan Moore link
10/12/2021 07:15:33 pm

Hi. Want to discuss if I am consuming too much beef liver. And too much vitamin a. Thanks!

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Jeanique
10/19/2021 06:06:57 am

Hi! Just coming across your article as I heard for the first time about the risk of large amounts of Vitamin A during pregnancy, and the connection to liver.

I'm currently 34wks pregnant and have been taking Ancestral Supplements Beef Liver since very early on in my pregnancy as I was told it would help with my nausea (b vitamins) and it was so nutritious. I even spoke to the owner via email and there were no flags raised there. I still take the full dose every day (the website says 5099 IU (100% DV) Vitamin A per serving)!

If I harmed the baby during the early days, would that have shown up on scans by now? Ultrasounds, blood work? I know you can't predict of give medical advice. In your opinion could everything be okay?? Or should I alert my midwife and doctor??

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
10/20/2021 01:30:25 pm

Hello Jeanique,

I'm so glad you reached out. Feel free to call the office. I always offer free 15 min phone consultations.

Typically, any issues would have been seen in the ultrasounds by now.

The studies show that doses of 10,000 or more are needed to induce these issues.

Based on what you've told me, I think you are just fine. I would also bring it up with your PCP/OB/Midwife.

Regards,
Sarah

Reply
Lisa
12/27/2022 04:09:46 am

I am in the same position.
How are you now ? Hope everything is oké with the baby.

Lisa

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Susie
11/17/2022 07:06:36 pm

What prenatal would you recommend? Trying to find the best available one can be overwhelming

Reply
Chopstick
11/24/2022 10:13:43 am

Hey there,

I am the husband from Hong Kong. Wife's been having pork liver congee ( three times). she is at 8 weeks now.

Pork liver congee:
https://youtu.be/Pwa4f9EqRkw

It ain't much, but my wife is worried about vitamin A overdose.

Is there gonna be any way/test to see if our baby is not affected by the pork liver?

My wife likes your article btw.

The husband,
C_mo

Reply
Charlotte
11/26/2022 12:42:07 am

Hello,

I am week 11 with twins and started taking beef liver gelpro capsules. Its been around a week i have taken 2 a day.

Are capsules fine to take in first trimester or should i hold off until later in pregnancy?

Reply
Leah
12/6/2022 10:47:41 pm

Reading through these comments, I just wanted to say that during my second pregnancy I took the recommended dose of ancestral supplements grass fed beef liver and cod liver oil also thinking it was “nature’s multivitamin”.. during the first trimester..I had a very easy pregnancy with no nausea compared to extreme nausea with my first taking traditional prenatals.. my baby is a year old now, healthy and bright. Obviously this is no substitute for medical advice, but I figured I would share my story for those who are nervous!

Reply
Lisa
12/12/2022 10:11:34 am

I am worried sick. I have so much anxiety over this. I ate liver once maybe 100-150 gram before I knew I was pregnant. Can we have contact please ?

Reply
Sabrina Tripodi
12/27/2022 02:00:27 am

Dear Lisa, I'm from Italy and I'm in the same situation. I had more or less 150 gr of beef liver when I was 5 week pregnant. I'm so scared and I feel myself so stupid 😭 I really didn't know liver was Dangerous...
I would know what happened to the all woman of the chat, Hope everything well, and all your children are good ❤️

Reply
Lisa
12/27/2022 04:04:03 am

I would like to know. I did a lot of research on this. There are studies too that say vitamine a does not cause birth defects

https://myalbum.com/album/e3aGbiF3PiVY/?invite=9f5ad399-e5a5-4d4a-8bc2-2efaa480819f

I put a link containing the information I found.
I am now 7 weeks and scared too. But we have to try to be at peace and try to let ik go. Maybe the information in the link wil give some peace.

Sabrina Tripodi
12/27/2022 04:20:12 am

Dear Lisa,
THANKS you a lot for the link...that was the reason why I decided to eat liver. I Remembered from my grandmother that liver was very good in pregnancy, and I know many doctors in Italy that usually suggest eating liver during pregnancy.
I asked my doctor and also Two hospital's drug centres and they seems even didn't know about the teratogen risk. I just Hope and pray ❤️

Reply
Lisa
12/27/2022 07:43:13 am

If your grandmother ate it in her first trimester and everthing turned out good we must trust that everthing will turn out good for us too.
Did she eat in the first trimester ?
Hope and pray. Its all in the hands of God. Psalm 139:13-14.

Reply
Sabrina Tripodi
12/27/2022 07:49:29 am

Unfortunally I can't ask to her, she Is not with us anymore. But She had 4 babies all good and healthy ❤️ I Hope all the best for you ❤️

Bec
12/27/2022 04:39:37 pm

Hi all!
I asked a question over 2 years ago on this thread as I had consumed A LOT of liver and then panicked when reading some vitamin A research.
I’d love to provide some reassurance to any pregnant people concerned about their liver consumption. My almost 3 year old is a thriving little guy and I ate liver a couple of times a week through my next pregnancy and she is a happy healthy 7 month old.
I believe the research is mostly talking about synthetic vitamin A. Liver is a great a great food to consume when pregnant and has so many benefits.
Happy to answer any questions if any one needs

Reply
Lisa
12/28/2022 08:02:04 am

Thank you for sharing !
Did you eat the liver first trimester too? And how much did you eat?
I am worried sick about this. Can’t enjoy my pregnancy. I cry a lot.
I ate about 150 one time at 4 weeks.

Reply
Bec
12/28/2022 02:11:46 pm

Yes I did. I ate a lot. I was having 4 capsules of freeze dried liver daily for the entire first trimester. I then panicked too but I have not found any research to warrant the panic. I consumed more regularly with my second born too.

I know it’s hard, but I wouldn’t worry if I were you.

A dietician named Lily Nichols recommends liver consumption too.




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