Seal: an oil that trims triglycerides a little and leaves LDL alone

Seal oil is the part of the animal most people outside the Arctic will ever meet, and its effect on blood fats is small. In a meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials in 626 people, seal oil supplements lowered triglycerides by 17 mg/dL (95% CI -27 to -7.1; metric: 0.19 mmol/L, -0.30 to -0.08), which the authors rated of modest to trivial clinical importance, with low certainty of evidence. LDL cholesterol did not change significantly, -2.7 mg/dL (95% CI -7.3 to 1.9; metric: -0.07 mmol/L, -0.19 to 0.05). Over 14 months in 120 adults with high cholesterol, 1 tbsp (15 mL) of seal oil a day did not lower cholesterol, and neither did cod-liver oil, in a trial whose control group got no placebo. The meat itself is dense food. Raw bearded seal meat gives 12.9 mg iron and 26.7 g protein per 3.5 oz (100 g) in single USDA records of Alaska Native foods. Dried, it reaches 49.6 mg iron per 3.5 oz (100 g) only because water falls from 69.6 g to 11.6 g. Seal is also where much of the Arctic contaminant load sits. In Greenland, seal muscle, liver, kidney and blubber were the dominant sources of contaminants in the traditional diet. The liver needs the most care. In 5 spotted seals from Alaska, a 3.5 oz (100 g) serving of liver carried about 9 times the adult upper limit for vitamin A raw and about 10 times fried, and EFSA advises women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant not to eat liver or offal at all.

The numbers, per 3.5 oz (100 g)

How much is actually in it

• Analyses of Arctic Bay foods found seal meat similar to beef in protein and fat, with vitamin C present in significant amounts only in baby seal liver. — Caribou, seal and Arctic char samples from Arctic Bay, Canada (n = -) Evidence C source
  Seal meat protein and fat similar to beef; iron higher than Canadian meat group; vitamin C only in baby seal liver
• USDA data give raw bearded seal meat 12.9 mg iron and 26.7 g protein per 3.5 oz (100 g), rising to 49.6 mg and 82.6 g when dried. — USDA SR Legacy, Alaska Native foods: bearded seal meat raw (FDC 167610) and dried (FDC 168020) (n = -) Evidence E source
  Raw: iron 12.9 mg, protein 26.7 g, fat 0.4 g per 3.5 oz (100 g); dried: iron 49.6 mg, protein 82.6 g per 3.5 oz (100 g)
• In spotted seals from Kotzebue, Alaska, a 3.5 oz (100 g) serving of liver carried about 9 times the adult upper limit for vitamin A raw and about 10 times fried. — 5 subsistence-harvested spotted seals (Phoca largha), Kotzebue AK, 2004-2005; % of UL for adult men 31-50 (n = 5 animals) Evidence C source
  Vitamin A per 3.5 oz (100 g): raw liver 913% of UL, fried liver 1050% of UL; blubber omega-3 511% (raw) and 393% (rendered)

What a real portion looks like

• EFSA judges that liver or offal eaten once a month or less keeps preformed vitamin A under the upper limit, while more frequent offal can push intake above it. — European populations (EFSA Comprehensive Food Consumption Database) Evidence E source
  Liver/offal <= once per month: UL not expected to be exceeded; higher frequency and/or high-dose supplements may exceed UL
• A risk-benefit model for Inuit women of childbearing age in Ulukhaktok put the weekly maximum at about 4.4 oz (125 g) of ringed seal liver or 6.1 oz (172 g) of meat, each eaten with 1 g of blubber. — 669 Inuit women aged 18-40 (Inuit Health Survey intake data); ringed seal tissues from Ulukhaktok, Western Canadian Arctic (n = 669) Evidence C source
  Max weekly 125 g liver or 172 g muscle with 1 g blubber (net infant IQ change ~0); liver or muscle without blubber could mean IQ loss

What your body absorbs

• In a 42-day RCT in 19 healthy men, 20 g a day of seal oil raised EPA in blood phospholipids 4.3-fold and cut the n-6 to n-3 ratio from 7.2 to 2.1. — 19 healthy normocholesterolemic men, 20 g/day encapsulated seal oil or vegetable oil, 42 days (n = 19) Evidence B source
  Serum phospholipid EPA x4.3, DHA x1.5; n-6/n-3 ratio 7.2 to 2.1; fibrinogen -18%

What cooking and storage change

• In Alaska from 1947 to 1985, all 59 foodborne botulism outbreaks were linked to traditional Alaska Native foods, with 11% of cases dying. — 156 cases in 59 outbreaks among Alaska Natives, 1947-1985 (n = 156) Evidence C source
  Case-fatality 11%; type E toxin in 73% of confirmed outbreaks; incidence 8.6 per 100,000
• Observational data from 1,300 Nunavik Inuit link each extra two servings a month of seal liver to a slightly higher prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies (prevalence ratio 1.01 to 1.02). — 1,300 Inuit participants of the 2017 Nunavik Health Survey (n = 1300) Evidence C source
  Seal liver: PR 1.01 to 1.02 per two extra consumptions a month

What it does to your health

• In a 6-week RCT in 48 adults with high triglycerides, 1 g a day of omega-3 from seal oil cut triglycerides by 14% and systolic pressure by 8 mmHg. — 48 adults with hypertriglyceridemia, Wollongong, 1 g/day LC n-3 from seal oil, tuna oil or placebo, 6 weeks (n = 48) Evidence B source
  Triglycerides -14% (seal oil) vs -7% (fish oil); systolic BP -8 mmHg (seal oil) vs -5 mmHg (fish oil)
• In a 24-week RCT in 134 patients with fatty liver and high blood lipids, omega-3 from seal oil led to complete fatty liver regression in 19.7% vs 7.35% on placebo. — 134 patients with NAFLD and hyperlipidemia, 2 g seal oil n-3 three times daily or placebo, 24 weeks (n = 134) Evidence B source
  Complete regression 19.70% (13/66) vs 7.35% (5/68), P = 0.04; no serious adverse events

Safety, limits and interactions

• A case report describes an Inupiaq boy with moderate anaphylaxis after eating bearded seal and bowhead whale meat, confirmed by specific IgE. — 1 Inupiaq boy in Alaska; 10 controls for skin testing (n = 1) Evidence D source
  Positive skin prick test and serum IgE to cooked bearded seal and whale extracts; first known report
• In the traditional Greenland diet, seal muscle, liver, kidney and blubber, together with whale blubber, were the dominant sources of contaminants. — Major species and tissues eaten in Greenland, dietary exposure assessment (n = -) Evidence C source
  Mean intakes of cadmium, chlordanes and toxaphene exceeded ADI/TDI by 2.5 to 6 times; mercury and PCB by up to about 50%
• FDA concluded in 2019 that up to 5 g a day of EPA and DHA from supplements is unlikely to cause excessive bleeding, and that above 5 g the bleeding risk is unclear. — general population; FDA review of clinical trials for the EPA/DHA qualified health claim (docket FDA-2014-Q-1146) Evidence E source
  <=5 g/day EPA+DHA from supplements: excessive bleeding unlikely; >5 g/day: insufficient data
• EFSA found no basis to set an upper limit for EPA and DHA but judged supplemental intakes up to 5 g a day safe for adults, without a rise in bleeding risk. — adults, EU; EFSA NDA Panel review of n-3 LCPUFA intake studies Evidence E source
  UL not established; EPA+DHA supplemental up to ~5 g/day: no increase in spontaneous bleeding or bleeding complications; 2-6 g/day raises LDL ~3%; EPA alone up to 1.8 g/day no concern
• The FDA-approved label for prescription omega-3 ethyl esters notes that some trials showed prolonged bleeding time, within normal limits and without clinically significant bleeding. — patients taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters (EPA+DHA) with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents Evidence E source
  Prolonged bleeding time in some trials, within normal limits, no clinically significant bleeding; periodic monitoring advised
• In 117 ringed seals hunted in eastern Nunavut in 2016-2018, most livers exceeded the European reference value for cadmium, while young-of-the-year had less cadmium and mercury than older seals. — 117 ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from subsistence hunts, Baffin Island, Nunavut, 2016-2018 (n = 117) Evidence C source
  Liver Cd above EU reference value in most seals of all ages; muscle less often; MeHg: no muscle and very few liver samples above the Canadian fish value

What people believe that the data does not support

• A meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials in 626 people found seal oil lowered triglycerides by only 17 mg/dL (0.19 mmol/L) and did not change LDL cholesterol. — 626 participants in 9 RCTs of oral seal oil supplements (n = 626) Evidence A source
  Triglycerides MD -17 mg/dL (95% CI -27 to -7.1; metric: -0.19 mmol/L, -0.30 to -0.08); LDL-C MD -2.7 mg/dL (95% CI -7.3 to 1.9; metric: -0.07 mmol/L, -0.19 to 0.05)
• In a 14-month RCT in 120 adults with high cholesterol, 1 tbsp (15 mL) a day of seal oil did not lower cholesterol, like cod-liver oil. — 120 healthy hypercholesterolemic adults (271-367 mg/dL (7.0-9.5 mmol/L)), 15 mL/day seal oil or cod-liver oil or no supplement, 14 months (n = 120) Evidence B source
  No effect on total cholesterol, HDL-C, apoA1, apoB100 or Lp(a); lower platelet aggregation vs control
• In a study of Canadian Inuit foods, the median retinol content of ringed seal liver was comparable to that of market food liver. — Canadian Inuit in 18 communities across 5 regions; dietary surveys and tissue analyses (n = -) Evidence C source
  Median retinol in ringed seal liver comparable to market food liver

Who this works differently for

• In coastal Chukotka, seals were the main dietary source of the whole set of persistent toxic substances measured, with mercury and cadmium high in organ meats. — 453 Inuit and Chukchi residents surveyed, 397 food and indoor samples, Chukotka 2001-2003 (n = 453) Evidence C source
  Hg and Cd high mainly in mammal viscera; consumption restrictions recommended for seal meat, fat, liver and kidney
• Observational data from the 2017 Nunavik survey found iron deficiency in 33% of Inuit women of childbearing age, with access to country foods among the main protective factors. — 831 women and 436 men aged 16 and over, Nunavik 2017 (n = 1267) Evidence C source
  Iron deficiency 33% in women 16-49; anemia 31% in adults 50 and older
• EFSA in 2024 kept the upper limit for preformed vitamin A at 3000 ug RE a day for adults, set to prevent birth defects, and it applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women too. — EU population; adults including women of child-bearing age, pregnant and lactating women Evidence E source
  UL 3000 ug RE/day adults (all sources incl. food, fortified foods, supplements); based on NOAEL for teratogenicity
• EFSA advises women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant not to eat liver or offal at all, because retinol from it can harm the embryo. — women planning pregnancy and pregnant women, EU Evidence E source
  General recommendation: do not consume liver, offal or products thereof (SCF 1992, 2002, maintained 2024)
• NIH ODS says preformed vitamin A above the upper limit can cause birth defects and that women who are or might be pregnant should not take more than 3,000 mcg RAE a day from supplements. — women who are or might be pregnant and lactating women, US Evidence E source
  UL 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU)/day preformed vitamin A; teratogenic above UL
• Nunavut health messages from 2012 told women of childbearing age to avoid ringed seal liver because of its high mercury and to eat ringed seal meat instead. That guidance is now under review. — Inuit women of childbearing age, Nunavut (Canada); health messages from the Inuit Health Survey 2007-2008 Evidence E source
  Avoid ringed seal liver (mercury); ringed seal meat recommended instead; country foods overall recommended
• Greenland's dietary advice tells pregnant and nursing women and children to be cautious about eating aged seals, polar bear, toothed whales and seabirds. — pregnant and nursing women, young people and children, Greenland Evidence E source
  Caution with aged seals (and polar bear, toothed whales, seabirds); intake of traditional foods after reproductive age not considered a health issue
• EFSA confirmed in 2026 that its tolerable weekly intake for methylmercury, 1.3 ug per kg body weight, remains valid after reviewing the stricter US ATSDR figure. — EU population; unborn child as the most sensitive (neurodevelopmental endpoint) Evidence E source
  MeHg TWI 1.3 ug/kg bw/week (as Hg) retained; ATSDR MRL 0.7 ug/kg bw/week not considered more robust

What is still unknown

• A scoping review of Inuit country food in pregnancy and early childhood found most studies looked at contaminants and few at food safety or food security. — Studies published 1995-2019 on Inuit country food in pregnancy and childhood (n = -) Evidence C source
  Majority on contaminants; about one-quarter on nutrient adequacy; few on food safety in pregnancy

The bottom line

Single trials of the oil look better than the pooled result. In 48 adults with high triglycerides, 1 g a day of omega-3 from seal oil for 6 weeks cut triglycerides by 14% and systolic pressure by 8 mmHg, a small and short study. In 134 patients in China with fatty liver and high blood lipids, 24 weeks of seal oil omega-3 cleared the fatty liver completely in 19.7% (13 of 66) against 7.35% (5 of 68) on placebo, in one trial whose abstract does not describe blinding. Twenty grams of seal oil a day for 42 days raised EPA in the blood phospholipids of 19 healthy men 4.3-fold, at a dose above the 8 to 9 g Inuit usually eat. For nutrients, ringed seal liver held retinol at levels comparable to market liver in Canadian Inuit communities. A 1978 analysis of Arctic Bay foods, on small numbers of samples, found seal meat similar to beef in protein and fat, with vitamin C present in meaningful amounts only in baby seal liver. The cautions are real. In coastal Chukotka, seals were the main dietary source of every persistent toxic substance measured, and mercury and cadmium were high mostly in organ meats. A single case report describes an Inupiaq boy with moderate anaphylaxis after bearded seal and bowhead whale meat, confirmed by specific IgE, and how common this is remains unknown. From 1947 to 1985 every foodborne botulism outbreak in Alaska occurred among Alaska Natives and was tied to traditional foods, though the abstract does not say which foods, seal included, or how they were prepared, and this page has no card on handling fermented or raw seal foods safely. Among 1,300 Nunavik Inuit, each two extra servings a month of seal liver went with a prevalence ratio of 1.01 to 1.02 for Toxoplasma antibodies, a small association that was clearer in some statistical models than in others. This page has no card on Toxoplasma in pregnancy or on how cooking affects it, so it cannot say how to make raw seal liver or meat safe, and nothing on it shows that raw seal liver or meat is safe to eat in pregnancy. In 117 ringed seals from Nunavut, most livers exceeded the European reference value for cadmium, and muscle did so less often. Pregnancy and childhood carry the clearest limits. EFSA keeps the upper limit for preformed vitamin A at 3,000 micrograms a day for adults, set to prevent birth defects, and it applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women. EFSA estimates that liver or offal eaten once a month or less keeps intake under that limit, but it made that estimate for European liver portions, not marine mammal liver. Health messages in Nunavut in 2012 told women of childbearing age to avoid ringed seal liver because of its mercury and to eat ringed seal meat instead, and that guidance is now under review. Greenland advises pregnant and nursing women and children to be cautious with aged seals. One risk-benefit model for Inuit women in Ulukhaktok put the weekly maximum at about 4.4 oz (125 g) of ringed seal liver or 6.1 oz (172 g) of meat, each with 1 g of blubber, and its authors say it is not a general recommendation. EFSA confirmed in 2026 its tolerable weekly intake for methylmercury of 1.3 micrograms per kg of body weight. A scoping review found that most research on Inuit country food in pregnancy looked at contaminants and few studies at food safety. For the oil, EFSA judged supplemental EPA and DHA up to 5 g a day safe for adults without a rise in bleeding risk, and FDA concluded that up to 5 g a day from supplements is unlikely to cause excessive bleeding, with the risk above 5 g unclear. We found no study of seal oil taken with blood thinners, so anyone on a blood thinner or an antiplatelet drug should talk to a doctor before taking seal oil. In the US, supplements do not go through FDA approval the way medicines do, and the same advice holds for anyone pregnant or with a chronic illness. The label for prescription omega-3 capsules notes that some trials showed prolonged bleeding time, within normal limits.

Sources

1. seal-daily-r5-12 · food composition analysis
   Caribou and seal meats were similar in protein and fat content in comparison with beef. Arctic char was above the average in protein and fat content for fish. Ascorbic acid was present in significant amounts only in baby seal liver.
   J Am Diet Assoc, 1978 · checked 2026-09-28
2. seal-daily-r5-13 · food composition data
   Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, raw (Alaska Native) (FDC 167610, SR Legacy): iron 12.9 mg, protein 26.7 g, fat 0.4 g, water 69.6 g per 100 g · Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, dried (Alaska Native) (FDC 168020): iron 49.6 mg, protein 82.6 g, water 11.6 g per 100 g
   USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy 2018, FDC 167610 and 168020 · checked 2026-09-28
3. seal-daily-r5-19 · food composition analysis
   In 8 cases, seal tissues exceeded nutrient ULs for a single serving: total fat in rendered blubber (104%), omega-3 PUFA in raw and rendered blubber (511% and 393%, respectively), vitamin A in raw and fried liver (913% and 1050%), and cholesterol in fried liver (162%) and raw and boiled kidney (149% and 240%).
   Int J Circumpolar Health, 2009 · checked 2026-09-29
4. seal-daily-r5-18 · agency risk characterization
   The Panel considers that the UL for preformed vitamin A is not expected to be exceeded in European populations if consumption of ‘liver, offal and products thereof’ is limited to once per month or less. However, a higher frequency of offal consumption, and/or the consumption of high‐dose supplements, may lead to intakes above the UL (Section 3.5.1 and Sections thereof).
   EFSA NDA Panel, EFSA Journal 2024;22(6):e8814 · checked 2026-09-29
5. seal-daily-r5-26 · risk-benefit assessment
   In summary, we would advise female Inuit of childbearing age from Ulukhaktok to confine their weekly consumption of marine mammalian tissue to 172 g ringed seal meat or 125 g ringed seal liver if consumed together with 1 g blubber tissue each.
   Front Nutr, 2017 · checked 2026-09-29
6. seal-daily-r5-05 · randomized controlled trial
   EPA levels in serum phospholipid and NEFA increased by 4.3- and 2.7-fold, respectively, in the seal oil supplemented group.
   Thromb Res, 1999 · checked 2026-09-28
7. seal-daily-r5-07 · retrospective outbreak review
   All outbreaks occurred in Alaska Natives and were associated with eating traditional Alaska Native foods.
   J Infect Dis, 1988 · checked 2026-09-28
8. seal-daily-r5-10 · cross-sectional study
   Each increase of two consumptions per month of beluga (PR ranged from 1.01 to 1.03), seal liver (PR ranged from 1.01 to 1.02) and goose (PR ranged from 1.01 to 1.02) were also associated with seropositivity, albeit more clearly in models 2 and 3, while drinking water mainly from natural (PR of 1.47) or municipal (PR = 1.42) sources compared to bottled water, was correlated with seroprevalence, although results were compatible with the null.
   Zoonoses Public Health, 2021 · checked 2026-09-28
9. seal-daily-r5-02 · randomized controlled trial
   Plasma triglycerides remained unchanged in the placebo group, whilst reductions of 7 and 14% (P < 0.05) were seen in the fish oil and seal oil groups respectively. Systolic blood pressure improved by 8 and 5 mmHg with seal oil and fish oil respectively (P < 0.05).
   Lipids, 2009 · checked 2026-09-28
10. seal-daily-r5-03 · randomized controlled trial
    After treatment, complete fatty liver regression was observed in 19.70% (13/66) of the patients, and an overall reduction was found in 53.03% (35/66) of the patients in group A. In contrast, in group B, only five patients (7.35%, 5/68) achieved complete fatty liver regression (P=0.04), whereas 24 patients (35.29%, 24/68) had a certain improvement in fatty liver (P=0.04).
    World J Gastroenterol, 2008 · checked 2026-09-28
11. seal-daily-r5-06 · case report
    A patient with moderate anaphylaxis to bowhead whale and bearded seal meat demonstrated serum specific IgE by means of immunoblot and positive skin prick test results.
    Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2007 · checked 2026-09-28
12. seal-daily-r5-08 · exposure assessment
    The evaluation of contaminant intake in this study points to seal muscle, seal liver, seal kidney, seal blubber and whale blubber as the dominant contributors of contaminants in the traditional diet.
    Sci Total Environ, 2004 · checked 2026-09-28
13. seal-daily-r5-20 · agency position
    Based on the data from these studies, we conclude that ingestion of less than or equal to 5 g/day of EPA and DHA from dietary supplements is unlikely to cause excessive bleeding. With little or no data on intakes over 5 g/day, the potential effects on bleeding risk at those levels of intake are less clear.
    FDA, Letter of Enforcement Discretion: EPA and DHA and Reduction of Blood Pressure, June 19, 2019 · checked 2026-09-29
14. seal-daily-r5-21 · agency risk assessment (UL)
    Long-term supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined up to about 5 g/day do not appear to increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding episodes or bleeding complications, or affect glucose homeostasis immune function or lipid peroxidation, provided the oxidative stability of the n-3 LCPUFAs is guaranteed. Supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined at doses of 2 6 g/day, and of DHA at doses of 2 4 g/day, induce an increase in LDL-cholesterol concentrations of about 3 % which may not have an adverse effect on cardiovascular disease risk, whereas EPA at doses up to 4 g/day has no significant effect on LDL cholesterol. Supplemental intakes of EPA and DHA combined at doses up to 5 g/day, and supplemental intakes of EPA alone up to 1.8 g/day, do not raise safety concerns for adults.
    EFSA NDA Panel, EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2815 · checked 2026-09-29
15. seal-daily-r5-22 · drug label
    Some trials with omega-3-acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in these trials has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes.
    DailyMed, Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, set id 034045d6-5308-4701-b97b-8873e053ec17 (label 2023-10-06) · checked 2026-09-29
16. seal-daily-r5-27 · contaminant survey
    Using recent European reference values for human consumption of food products, most seals of all ages exceeded the value for liver Cd, but many less exceeded the value for muscle Cd. Using the lower Canadian reference value for THg for human consumption of fish products but based on concentrations of MeHg, the more toxic form of Hg, no muscle samples and very few liver samples exceeded this value.
    Chemosphere, 2025 · checked 2026-09-29
17. seal-daily-r5-01 · meta-analysis of RCTs
    Supplementation of SO resulted in no statistically significant effects on LDL-C (MD -0.07 mmol/L; 95 % CI [-0.19, 0.05]; CoE: Low) and total cholesterol (MD -0.12 mmol/L; 95 % CI [-0.30, 0.06]; CoE: Very low). There were statistically significant results of modest-to-trivial clinical importance on triglycerides (MD -0.19 mmol/L, 95 % CI [-0.30, -0.08]; CoE: Low) and trivial importance on HDL-C (MD 0.07 mmol/L, 95 % CI [0.003, 0.13]; CoE: Very low).
    Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2025 · checked 2026-09-28
18. seal-daily-r5-04 · randomized controlled trial
    Neither SO nor CLO had any effects on the levels of serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, postprandial triacylglycerol, apolipoproteins Al and B100, lipoprotein (a), monocyte function expressed as monocyte-derived tissue factor expression, and tumor necrosis factor.
    Lipids, 2001 · checked 2026-09-28
19. seal-daily-r5-11 · dietary survey
    The median retinol content of liver of ringed seal, caribou, and fish were comparable to levels observed in market food liver.
    Can J Public Health, 2004 · checked 2026-09-28
20. seal-daily-r5-09 · cross-sectional study
    For the Chukotka coastal communities, seals constitute the principal source of the whole suite of PTSs considered.
    Int J Circumpolar Health, 2012 · checked 2026-09-28
21. seal-daily-r5-14 · cross-sectional study
    Prevalence of ID was highest among women of childbearing age (16-49 years old, 33%) and anemia among adults aged 50 years and older (31%).
    Can J Public Health, 2024 · checked 2026-09-28
22. seal-daily-r5-16 · agency risk assessment (UL)
    The Panel proposes to retain the UL of 3000 μg RE/day for adults, based on a NOAEL for teratogenicity (Section 3.7.1.1). This UL applies to men and women, including women of child‐bearing age, pregnant and lactating women, and post‐menopausal women.
    EFSA NDA Panel, EFSA Journal 2024;22(6):e8814 · checked 2026-09-29
23. seal-daily-r5-17 · agency recommendation
    Since both acute and chronic intakes of preformed vitamin A and the timing of consumption by pregnant women (i.e. during embryogenesis) may be critical for teratogenicity (Section 3.6.1), the Panel maintains the general recommendation for women who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant not to consume liver, offal or products thereof (SCF, 1992, 2002).
    EFSA NDA Panel, EFSA Journal 2024;22(6):e8814 · checked 2026-09-29
24. seal-daily-r5-23 · fact sheet, expert body position
    Total intakes of preformed vitamin A that exceed the UL as well as some retinoid medications used as topical therapies (such as isotretinoin, used to treat severe acne, and etretinate, a treatment for severe psoriasis) can cause congenital birth defects [1]. These birth defects can include malformations of the eye, skull, lungs, and heart [14]. Experts advise women who are or might be pregnant and those who are lactating not to take high doses (more than 3,000 mcg RAE [10,000 IU] daily) of vitamin A supplements [1].
    NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Health Professionals · checked 2026-09-29
25. seal-daily-r5-24 · review reporting regional health authority advice
    However, they also stated that women of childbearing age should avoid eating ringed seal liver due to its high mercury content and should instead eat ringed seal meat [2,6]. The Government of Nunavut Department of Health is in the process of reviewing guidance related to ringed seal liver and overall mercury levels in country food [24].
    Int J Circumpolar Health, 2024 · checked 2026-09-29
26. seal-daily-r5-25 · review reporting national dietary advice
    Intake of all traditional foods after reproductive age is not considered a health issue. Pregnant, nursing women and young people/children are advised to be cautious about eating polar bear, toothed whales, seabirds and aged seals.
    Int J Circumpolar Health, 2024 · checked 2026-09-29
27. seal-daily-r5-28 · agency risk assessment (TWI)
    Consequently, the current EFSA TWI for methylmercury of 1.3 μg/kg bw, expressed as mercury, remains valid.
    EFSA Journal, 2026 · checked 2026-09-29
28. seal-daily-r5-15 · scoping review
    The majority of the articles focused on environmental contaminants, and one-quarter described nutrient adequacy. Few articles described food security or food safety in pregnancy, and the most utilized quantitative methods.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 · checked 2026-09-28