diff --git a/R/column_spec.R b/R/column_spec.R
index 7af7431..8381899 100644
--- a/R/column_spec.R
+++ b/R/column_spec.R
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 
 column_spec_html <- function(kable_input, column, width, bold, italic, monospace) {
   kable_attrs <- attributes(kable_input)
-  kable_xml <- read_xml(as.character(kable_input), options = "COMPACT")
+  kable_xml <- read_kable_as_xml(kable_input)
   kable_tbody <- xml_tpart(kable_xml, "tbody")
 
   group_header_rows <- attr(kable_input, "group_header_rows")