Despite a growing popularity, the practice of eating placenta post-delivery has no scientific proof. It turns out that eating placenta does not have any health benefits, and it poses unknown risks.
A new Northwestern Medicine review of 10 current published research studies on placentophagy did not turn up any human or animal data to support the common claims that eating the placenta-either raw, cooked or encapsulated-offers protection against postpartum depression, reduces post-delivery pain, boosts energy, helps with lactation, promotes skin elasticity, enhances maternal bonding or replenishes iron in the body.
Advertisement
More concerning, there are no studies examining the risk of ingesting the placenta, called placentophagy, which acts as a filter to absorb and protect the developing fetus from toxins and pollutants, scientists said.
Corresponding study author Dr. Crystal Clark said that there hasn't been any systematic research investigating the benefits or the risk of placenta ingestion.
![Placental Cells Prevent Viral Infections in Fetuses]( "Placental Cells Prevent Viral Infections in Fetuses")
Cells of the placenta were found to prevent viruses from crossing from a mother to her growing baby, say researchers.
The studies on mice aren't translatable into human benefits.
Placentophagy is an unknown risk for the women who eat it and for their infants, if they are breastfeeding.
Lead author Cynthia Coyle added that research was needed to provide the answers. Although almost all non-human placental mammals ingest their placenta after giving birth, the first documented accounts of postpartum women practicing placentophagy were in North America in the 1970s, the study reports.
In recent years, advocates and the media have popularized health benefits of the practice, and more women are considering it as an option for postpartum recovery.
Clark said that the popularity had spiked in the last few years. They think that people weren't making this decision based on science or talking with physicians, but were taking inspiration from media reports, blogs and websites.
The study is due to be published in Archives of Women's Mental Health.
Source: Medindia
Placental Cells Prevent Viral Infections in Fetuses
Cells of the placenta were found to prevent viruses from crossing from a mother to her growing baby, say researchers.
Advertisement
The studies on mice aren't translatable into human benefits.
Placentophagy is an unknown risk for the women who eat it and for their infants, if they are breastfeeding.
Lead author Cynthia Coyle added that research was needed to provide the answers. Although almost all non-human placental mammals ingest their placenta after giving birth, the first documented accounts of postpartum women practicing placentophagy were in North America in the 1970s, the study reports.
In recent years, advocates and the media have popularized health benefits of the practice, and more women are considering it as an option for postpartum recovery.
Clark said that the popularity had spiked in the last few years. They think that people weren't making this decision based on science or talking with physicians, but were taking inspiration from media reports, blogs and websites.
The study is due to be published in Archives of Women's Mental Health.
Source: Medindia
Understanding the Molecular Control of Placenta Formation
Understanding the molecular control of placenta(the organ which enables fetal growth) formation is critical in diagnosing and treating related pregnancy complications.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Women Health News
Don't let a full heart fool you - it's essential to be aware of your age and the challenges it presents in life as per a new study.
In 90% of women with female genital tuberculosis condition, the fallopian tubes are affected. In around 70% uterine endometrium is affected.
Women involved in motor vehicle crashes during pregnancy were at increased risk of various adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially while riding scooters.
Are shift works bad for women's health? Yes, Women who are working rotating shifts are more likely to be frail.
Psychologists found that a pregnant woman's mindset can impact childbirth outcomes, with those viewing it as natural having fewer interventions.