Albanien
Bosnien-Herzegowina
Bulgarien
Kroatien
Zypern
Montenegro
Tschechien
Dänemark
Estland
Spanien
Kosovo
Litauen
Lettland
Luxemburg
Mazedonien
Deutschland
Polen
Portugal
Rumänien
Serbien
Slowakei
Slowenien
Schweiz
Schweden
Türkei
Ukraine
Ungarn
Großbritannien
Italien
UAE
Hong Kong
Ägypten
Liver, which remains popular in the kitchen, is considered a source of folic acid. Although essential during pregnancy, expectant mothers are advised against liver. Why? What does liver contain and what risks to the fetus may be associated with excess liver in a pregnant woman's diet?
Liver – what does it contain?
Liver is a rich source of B vitamins and iron. It contains large amounts of folic acid. It is believed that eating liver can protect against the development of anemia, among other things. Unfortunately, liver also contains very large amounts of vitamin A. These exceed safe and acceptable daily limits for pregnant women. For this reason, liver should not be consumed by expectant mothers. On the other hand, vitamin A can be supplied in safe doses in the daily diet through dairy products, among other sources.
Liver in pregnancy – is it safe?
Vitamin A is considered teratogenic, meaning it causes birth defects in children. The amount of vitamin A contained in liver exceeds the safe daily intake for expectant mothers. Consumption of these offal should therefore be avoided throughout pregnancy.
Liver in pregnancy – risks for the fetus
Liver should not be consumed during pregnancy because excessive concentrations of vitamin A (more than 15,000 IU per day) in the body of the expectant mother pose a risk. These are particularly related to the effects of retinol on the development of neural crest tissue in the baby. The first 60 days after conception are considered the most dangerous period. Excess vitamin A can lead to the development of congenital defects of the nervous system and heart, and even miscarriage.
Teratogenic
In addition to vitamin A and its derivatives, teratogens also include antibiotics such as tetracyclines or aminoglycosides. They can cause hearing damage or impair the development of the cartilage system. Antiepileptic drugs such as valproic acid can lead to spina bifida. Other teratogens include anthracyclines or thalidomide, and methotrexate. The list goes on and on, so it is important to consult a physician before taking any medication during pregnancy and not to take treatment alone.
Source:
Bastos Maia S, Rolland Souza AS, Costa Caminha MF, Lins da Silva S, Callou Cruz RSBL, Carvalho Dos Santos C, Batista Filho M. Vitamin A und Schwangerschaft: Ein narrativer Überblick. Nutrients. 2019 Mar 22;11(3):681. doi: 10.3390/nu11030681. PMID: 30909386; PMCID: PMC6470929.
