Beef Liver
Beef liver is exceptionally nutrient-dense (vitamin A, B12, iron, copper). However, it contains very high preformed vitamin A (retinol) — a single 100 g portion can exceed the tolerable upper intake level (3,000 µg/day adults).
What it is
Edible liver from cattle (Bos taurus); a common variety meat / offal.
Whole-food protein source; key ingredient in pâtés, terrines, traditional dishes.
Why it's flagged
- very high preformed vitamin A — hypervitaminosis A risk
- teratogenic in pregnancy at high intake
- high cholesterol
What regulators actually say
"Liver is the body's main vitamin A storage site... 3 ounces (85 g) of pan-fried beef liver provides 6,582 mcg RAE (731% DV)."
"Beef, variety meats and by-products, liver, raw — vitamin A, RAE 4,968 µg per 100 g."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Regulated as meat by USDA-FSIS.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA NDA Panel set vitamin A UL at 3,000 µg RE/day for adults.
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