There Are No Health Benefits To Eating Placenta

There isn’t any scientific evidence that eating the placenta after childbirth can protect women from depression or boost energy, according to a new study.

Despite this, claims that the placenta contains healthy vitamins that could benefit a woman’s health have increased in the last few years. Now, a study by Northwestern University has established that there are no benefits and, shockingly, no research on the risks. According to researchers, the interest in eating placenta has been heightened because of media reports, websites and blogs.

The study looked at research done by 10 other groups. It was published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health.

During the research, scientists found no evidence that suggested eating the placenta raw, cooked or in pill form could have added health benefits. Supposedly, the placenta reduces pain after delivery, increases energy levels, helps with breastmilk production and enhances the bond between mother and child. Some also believe that the placenta replenishes iron in the body.

Scientists have confirmed that all of these health benefits are actually just speculation. The purpose of the placenta is actually to absorb and protest the fetus from toxins and pollutants. As a result, those who eat the placenta could actually be exposing themselves to bacteria or viruses.
"Our sense is that women choosing placentophagy, who may otherwise be very careful about what they are putting into their bodies during pregnancy and nursing, are willing to ingest something without evidence of its benefits and, more importantly, of its potential risks to themselves and their nursing infants,” Cynthia Coyle, lead study author, said. "There are no regulations as to how the placenta is stored and prepared, and the dosing is inconsistent.”

Coyle added that women probably don’t know what they’re ingesting when they eat the placenta.

Source: BBC