Verified by Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Kimberly Langdon is an obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
Intestines are considered part of a group called organ meat or offal, which includes other animal organs that can be cooked and eaten, such as the liver, heart, and brain.
While these are not necessarily welcomed as delicacies all around the world, they are prized cuts of meat in many countries.
However, because they are more unusual than muscle meat, it is understandable that you might want to know if you can eat intestines while pregnant.
Can you eat intestines when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat intestines when pregnant, providing that you limit how much you eat. It is recommended that you eat a portion smaller than 100g per meal.
It is recommended you eat intestines, or any other type of organ meat, only once a week maximum if you decide to continue to eat them while pregnant.
Organ meats can cause vitamin A toxicity and overly elevated copper levels in the body if overconsumed, which can lead to birth defects.
Is cow intestine good for pregnant women?
Cow intestine, commonly referred to as tripe, can be beneficial to eat during pregnancy, as it is rich in nutrients that mother and baby need. A 4-ounce serving contains 14g of protein, and 4g of total fat (of which 1.5g is saturated) and contains only 96 calories.
That same 4-ounce serving also has 1.57mg of vitamin B12, which account for 60% of a pregnant woman’s RDA and is vital during pregnancy, along with high levels of other necessary nutrients such as phosphorus and zinc.
However, the cow intestine is also high in cholesterol – with 138mg per 4 oz portion or almost 69% of the RDA.
Can I eat goat intestine during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat goat intestine during pregnancy, in moderation. Goat meat is often seen as a healthier option, particularly during pregnancy, as it is low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol but has high levels of protein, potassium, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
However, overconsumption can still lead to vitamin A toxicity, as with all other types of intestine meat and offal.
Can I eat pork intestine during pregnancy?
As with the other types of animal intestines that we have discussed, you can eat pork intestine during pregnancy. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients that help fetal development. It is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
As with any meat that you consume during pregnancy, the intestine must be fully cooked all the way through before you eat it.
Pork intestine, also known as pork belly, also contains a high amount of cholesterol, which can be dangerous to the mother and baby if over-consumed or overproduced within a mother’s own body.
Conclusion
Overall, it is safe to eat intestines while pregnant, as long as you restrict how much you eat each week – which should be no more than a few ounces consumed in one meal
While there are many nutritional benefits to eating intestines while pregnant, like high protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, there are also some dangers to be wary of.
As intestines are high in vitamin A, if you eat too much you can cause vitamin A, which can be deadly to mother and baby, and the high level of cholesterol in these foods can also be harmful.
