Can I eat liver (kaleji) during pregnancy?
Avoid Best avoided
It's best to avoid liver (kaleji) and liver products such as pâté in pregnancy. Liver contains very high levels of vitamin A (retinol), and too much retinol can harm your baby's development.
Is liver (kaleji) safe in pregnancy?
Vitamin A comes in two forms. Retinol, found in liver and fish liver oils, can cause birth defects in high amounts. Beta-carotene, found in orange and green vegetables and fruit, is safe because your body only converts what it needs. A single portion of liver can contain several times the safe daily amount of retinol, so UK guidance is to avoid it completely.
Benefits
- Liver is rich in iron, but you can get iron safely from red meat, lentils, beans and leafy greens
Risks to know about
- Very high in retinol (vitamin A), which can cause birth defects
- Includes chicken, lamb and beef liver, and liver pâté
- Also avoid supplements containing retinol and fish liver oil
How to eat it safely
- Choose other iron-rich foods: well-cooked red meat, daal, chana, spinach, eggs
- Check your pregnancy vitamin doesn't contain retinol
- If you ate liver before finding out you were pregnant, don't panic, and tell your doctor if you're worried
Questions about liver (kaleji) in pregnancy
Can I eat chicken liver in pregnancy?
It's best avoided. All types of liver are very high in retinol.
I ate kaleji before I knew I was pregnant. Is my baby at risk?
An occasional portion is unlikely to cause harm. The risk comes from regular high intake. Mention it to your doctor if you're concerned.
Is cod liver oil safe in pregnancy?
No. Fish liver oils contain retinol. Choose a fish oil made from the flesh of the fish, or a pregnancy supplement, instead.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or an allergy, ask your doctor or midwife what's right for you.