No Proven Health Benefits to Eating Placenta
There are no scientifically proven health benefits to consuming placenta after childbirth, and this practice may pose potential risks to both mother and infant. 1
Scientific Evidence on Placentophagy
Placentophagy (the consumption of placenta after birth) has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among educated, middle-class women in the United States 2. Despite this trend, the scientific evidence does not support any clinical benefits:
- No rigorous scientific studies demonstrate therapeutic benefits of human placenta consumption 1
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) explicitly states there is no evidence of benefit from placenta consumption 3
- Any nutrients or hormones in the placenta are not retained in sufficient amounts after processing (especially encapsulation) to provide clinical benefits 1
Claimed Benefits vs. Reality
Proponents of placentophagy claim various benefits that remain unsubstantiated by scientific evidence:
- Pain relief
- Increased breast milk production
- Prevention of postpartum depression
- Improved mood and energy levels
- Decreased postpartum fatigue
These purported benefits are based primarily on anecdotal reports and self-reported surveys rather than controlled clinical studies 1, 2.
Potential Risks and Concerns
There are documented risks associated with placenta consumption:
- The CDC has issued a warning after a case where a newborn developed recurrent Group B Streptococcus sepsis after the mother consumed contaminated placenta capsules 1
- Potential for inadequate elimination of infectious pathogens during processing
- Risk of bacterial or viral infections that could affect both mother and baby 4
- Possible accumulation of environmental toxins in placental tissue 5
- Theoretical risk of thromboembolism from estrogens in placental tissue 5
Processing Methods
The placenta can be consumed in various forms:
- Raw
- Cooked or roasted
- Dehydrated
- Encapsulated (most common method)
- In smoothies or tinctures
It's important to note that the processing method alters the components of the placenta, potentially affecting any theoretical benefits 4.
Medical Guidance
Given the lack of evidence for benefits and the potential risks:
- Healthcare providers should discourage the practice of placentophagy 1
- Physicians should inform women interested in placentophagy about the absence of clinical benefits and the potential risks 1
- Clinicians should inquire about placenta consumption history when investigating postpartum maternal or neonatal infections 1
Conclusion
Based on the current scientific evidence, there are no proven health benefits to eating placenta after childbirth. The practice carries potential risks, particularly infection transmission, without any demonstrated advantages for maternal health, mood, or lactation. Medical organizations do not recommend placentophagy, and healthcare providers should discourage this practice when counseling patients.