diff --git a/R/row_spec.R b/R/row_spec.R
index 75e301b..0c71060 100644
--- a/R/row_spec.R
+++ b/R/row_spec.R
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 
 row_spec_html <- function(kable_input, row, bold, italic) {
   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")