The placenta, the tree of life that nourishes a baby in the womb, is now being consumed by mothers after birth. But does this ancient-looking practice hold any modern-day benefits?
Common in most mammals but historically rare in humans
Typically consumed as dehydrated capsules
Research fails to support most claimed benefits
Documented cases of infection transmission
In the animal kingdom, from mice to monkeys, the consumption of the placenta after childbirth is almost universal. In recent decades, this practice, known as placentophagy, has quietly crossed into human culture, particularly in Western industrialized nations 3 .
Driven by celebrity endorsements and a growing interest in "natural" postpartum remedies, a small but significant number of women are now choosing to ingest their own placentas, often in the form of dehydrated capsules, in the hope of fending off depression, boosting energy, and enhancing milk production 7 9 .
Despite its popularity in certain circles, the practice remains highly controversial. There is a profound disconnect between the enthusiastic anecdotal reports from advocates and the cautious, evidence-based perspective of the scientific and medical community 1 4 .
This article delves into the heart of this controversy, separating the myths from the facts and exploring why a practice that seems so instinctual may carry hidden risks for humans.
Placentophagy is common across mammalian species but historically rare in human societies.
Placentophagy is defined as "the ingestion of a human placenta postpartum, at any time, by any person, either in raw or altered form" 7 . While almost all non-human placental mammals engage in this behavior, humans are a notable exception. Historically, there is no evidence that placentophagy has been a regular, culturally normative practice in any traditional or historic society 2 7 .
Some consume small pieces of raw placenta immediately after birth, often in smoothies.
The most common method: steaming, dehydrating, and powdering the placenta into capsules.
Some incorporate placenta into meals, similar to organ meats.
Proponents of placentophagy claim a host of benefits, largely centered on countering common postpartum challenges. Let's examine the most frequent assertions alongside what current scientific research reveals.
| Claimed Benefit | Theoretical Basis | Scientific Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Prevents postpartum depression | Replenishes depleted hormones | No significant mood improvements found 6 |
| Increases energy & reduces anemia | High iron and B12 content | No positive impact on maternal iron status 7 |
| Enhances breast milk production | Presence of lactogenic hormones | No demonstrated benefit 1 |
| Decreases pain & speeds healing | Proposed opioid-enhancing factor (POEF) | Evidence from rodents only 2 4 |
To move beyond anecdotes, researchers have begun conducting controlled trials. One of the most cited is a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Young et al., which aimed to objectively test the psychological effects of placentophagy.
Received capsules containing their own dehydrated, powdered placenta
Received identical capsules containing dehydrated beef
The study's results, published in 2018, were clear. The researchers found no significant differences between the placenta group and the placebo group on any of the measured psychological outcomes 6 .
| Outcome Measured | Assessment Tool | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Depressive Symptoms | Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) | No significant difference between groups; similar trends over time 6 |
| Fatigue | Profile of Mood States (POMS) | Fatigue levels decreased similarly in both groups, with no significant difference 6 |
| Maternal Bonding | Maternal Attachment Questionnaire (MAQ) | No statistically significant differences in bonding scores 6 |
The authors concluded that their findings "do not offer strong support for the most regularly cited benefits of placentophagy" 6 . This pilot trial demonstrated that rigorous research in this area is feasible, but its preliminary results failed to validate the anecdotal claims made by placentophagy advocates.
While the benefits remain unproven, research has identified tangible risks associated with consuming the placenta.
Contrary to old beliefs, the placenta is not a sterile organ. It has its own bacterial culture and can contain potential bacteria and viruses 1 . Its primary function is to act as a filter, protecting the fetus from toxins and bacteria. In doing so, it can accumulate elements like mercury, lead, and other toxins 1 2 .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented a case where an infant in Oregon was hospitalized for late-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) sepsis 1 9 .
Infant had been treated for early-onset GBS and had recovered.
GBS symptoms returned, requiring hospitalization.
Mother was consuming placenta capsules contaminated with GBS.
Genetic testing confirmed identical bacteria in capsules and baby 1 .
| Research Tool | Function in Placentophagy Research |
|---|---|
| Placebo Capsules | Dehydrated beef or other inert substances used to create identical placebo pills for controlled trials 6 |
| Salivary Hormone Assays | Non-invasive tests that measure hormone levels to determine if placenta ingestion influences maternal hormone profiles 3 |
| Nutritional Analysis | Techniques like mass spectrometry used to quantify levels of iron, selenium, and other elements 3 |
| Microbial Culture & DNA Sequencing | Used to identify bacterial composition of placental tissue, crucial for assessing infection risks 8 |
| Standardized Psychological Scales | Validated questionnaires provide objective measures of mood, fatigue, and bonding 6 |
The exploration of human placentophagy presents a clear picture: the risks currently outweigh the unproven benefits.
Robust scientific evidence has so far failed to validate claims of improved mood, energy, or lactation.
"When it comes to eating your placenta, the risks really outweigh any perceived benefits."
After a journey of growing a new life, the focus can remain on the beautiful outcome. As Dr. Goje reminds us, "The baby is the reward, not the placenta" 9 .
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any questions related to your health or postpartum care.