People who eat liver at least once a week should resist any temptation to increase their consumption because the food contains so much retinol, or vitamin A, according to draft recommendations published yesterday.

They should also avoid taking any supplements containing vitamin A.

In reasonable quantities retinol is good for eyesight, growth, immune function and the normal development of tissues.

But there are concerns that high levels can increase the risk of bone fractures in later life.

The scientific advisory committee on nutrition, which reports to the Food Standards Agency, warned that postmenopausal women and other older people at risk of fractures should consume no more than 1.5mg of vitamin A a day.

Liver is a particularly rich source of retinol. Calf's liver contains the most, followed by pig's, lamb's and chicken liver.