Evidence supporting the use of: Beef liver
For the health condition: Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Beef liver is used to support pregnancy primarily due to its rich nutrient profile, particularly its high concentrations of vitamin A (as preformed retinol), iron (especially heme iron), vitamin B12, folate, and other essential micronutrients. Scientific validation for its use comes from the recognition that these nutrients are critical for fetal development and maternal health. For example, iron helps prevent maternal anemia, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, while folate and vitamin B12 are vital for neural tube formation and proper growth of the fetus. Numerous clinical guidelines emphasize adequate intake of these nutrients during pregnancy, though they usually recommend supplements rather than organ meats directly.

However, beef liver is also extremely high in vitamin A, and excessive intake of preformed vitamin A during pregnancy is associated with teratogenic risks. Health authorities such as the CDC and WHO caution against consuming large quantities of liver during pregnancy for this reason. Nevertheless, moderate, occasional consumption can be beneficial for women with deficiencies, and some traditional diets have included liver as a prenatal food for its nutrient density. In summary, while the scientific foundation for the nutrients found in beef liver is strong, care must be taken regarding dosage due to potential toxicity, and most experts recommend achieving these nutrient targets through a varied diet and prenatal supplementation rather than frequent liver consumption.

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