RFK Jr. suggests eating liver to save money, dietitians say he missed one key point

At a Make America Healthy Again event, RFK Jr. suggested Americans eat liver and other cheaper cuts to save money; dietitians told HuffPost that liver is nutrient-dense but can cause vitamin A and copper excess if eaten frequently and that the recommendation overlooks broader affordability and access concerns.

At a Make America Healthy Again event, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that Americans purchase liver and other cheaper cuts of meat as a cost-saving alternative to pricier steaks. He made the comment in the context of rising beef prices. Liver is not a common everyday ingredient for most people in the United States. Experts who spoke with HuffPost said the remark raised questions about nutrition, food access and the practicality of the suggestion. What is reported: - Kennedy recommended liver and other cheaper cuts as more affordable than Porterhouse or strip steaks. - Dietitians described liver as nutrient-dense, noting it is high in protein, iron, vitamin A, B12, folate and other micronutrients. - Experts warned against frequent consumption of liver because of its very high vitamin A and copper content; reported symptoms of excess include nausea, headaches and abdominal pain, and severe cases can affect the liver and vision. - Dietitians also noted that liver is high in dietary cholesterol, and some commenters tied the recommendation to broader discussions about saturated fat and heart disease risk; the American Heart Association recommends limiting red meat and full-fat dairy to help keep cholesterol low. - Practical barriers were raised: many people find liver an acquired taste, it can require specific preparation, and critics said the suggestion does not address limits on food assistance and uneven access to a variety of foods. Summary: Kennedy's comment prompted pushback from dietitians and public figures who said liver offers important nutrients but carries risks if eaten often and that urging people to eat liver overlooks affordability and access issues in the current food environment. Undetermined at this time.