Be it encapsulated, blended in a smoothie, or even roasted with vegetables, there are many ways that a woman can choose to consume her placenta after childbirth. With this vital pregnancy organ gaining traction as a "superfood," more new mothers are considering the practice. But is eating placenta really beneficial?
The practice of eating placenta, or "placentophagy," is common in the animal kingdom.
It is believed that most non-human mammals with a placenta consume their "afterbirth" — as the placenta is otherwise known — as a way of eradicating the scent of their newborn and protecting them against predators.
Other literature suggests that animals eat their placenta as a way of regaining nutrients that might have been lost during delivery, and to encourage mother-child bonding.
It is the latter hypotheses that have made placentophagy attractive to human mothers, and with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and January Jones advocating the practice, it is more popular than ever.
While many new mothers hail the health benefits of eating the afterbirth, critics say that the practice could be more harmful than helpful. We take a look at the evidence for both sides of the argument.
The purpose of the placenta
The placenta is an organ that forms on the wall of the uterus during pregnancy, and it is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord.
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| Placentophagy is increasing in popularity, but does it offer health benefits? The placenta is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Encapsulation is the most common method of placentophagy. Placentophagy advocates claim that the practice increases breast milk supply. The CDC report how a mother who ate placenta pills became infected with group B Streptococcus and passed it to her child. |
Read more: Is Placenta a 'superfood' or a Dietary Fad?
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Human placentophagy: a review (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Aug 39
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Source: MedicalNewsToday
