Why should you avoid liver and vitamin A supplements in pregnancy?
A “healthy” fish liver oil capsule could give you too much of a vitamin that can harm your baby.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Liver, liver products (pâté, liver sausage) and supplements containing vitamin A as retinol, including fish liver oil, should be avoided in pregnancy. Too much retinol-form vitamin A can harm a developing baby.
Why it matters
Vitamin A is essential, but in its retinol form (from animal sources) high doses are linked to birth defects. Liver is so concentrated in it that a single portion can exceed safe levels.
Many people take cod liver oil or a regular multivitamin out of habit — both may contain retinol. Pregnancy multivitamins are formulated without high-dose retinol.
Beta-carotene — the plant form of vitamin A found in carrots, sweet potato and spinach — is not a concern.
What to do
- Avoid liver, liver pâté and liver sausage.
- Swap cod/fish liver oil for a pregnancy-safe omega-3 without vitamin A.
- Choose a pregnancy multivitamin rather than a standard one.
- Eat colourful vegetables freely — beta-carotene is safe.
Common questions
Is fish oil safe during pregnancy?
Fish body oil (omega-3) supplements are different from fish liver oil. Choose one made for pregnancy and check it contains no added vitamin A (retinol).
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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