Understanding Placentophagy: Why do people eat raw placenta?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While almost all other mammalian species consume their placentas after giving birth, humans are a notable exception, with the practice being rare throughout history. Despite this, a growing number of new mothers in Western cultures are opting for placentophagy, raising the question: Why do people eat raw placenta?

Quick Summary

This article explores the modern practice of placentophagy, detailing the motivations behind it, including anecdotal claims of improved mood, energy, and milk supply. It outlines the significant health risks, particularly from raw consumption, and compares different preparation methods, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting the alleged benefits.

Key Points

Anecdotal Benefits: Supporters claim raw placenta consumption boosts mood, increases energy, and enhances milk supply, based on anecdotal accounts, not scientific evidence.
High Infection Risk: Consuming raw placenta poses a high risk of bacterial and viral infection, as the organ is not sterile and is not heated to kill pathogens.
Toxin Accumulation: The placenta acts as a filter during pregnancy, and ingesting it can reintroduce accumulated heavy metals like mercury and lead into the mother's system.
Placebo Effect: Scientific studies have found no robust health benefits associated with placentophagy, suggesting that any perceived positive effects are likely a placebo response.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Evidence-based strategies for postpartum recovery, including a balanced diet, iron supplements, and medical support, are safer and more effective than placentophagy.
Unregulated Practice: The processing of placenta for consumption is not regulated by health authorities, raising concerns about hygiene and preparation standards.
Celebrity-Driven Trend: The rise in placentophagy's popularity in Western countries is largely a modern trend fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media.

The Origins and Motivations for Placentophagy

The practice of consuming the placenta, known as placentophagy, is a modern trend in Western societies that has gained traction largely through celebrity endorsements and social media advocacy. Proponents often cite observing this behavior in other mammals, hypothesizing that humans lost this natural instinct over time. The primary motivations, according to surveys, revolve around anecdotal reports of health benefits for new mothers.

Anecdotal Claims and Perceived Benefits

Those who advocate for placentophagy report a variety of positive outcomes, which proponents believe stem from the hormones and nutrients within the placenta. These purported benefits include:

Improved Mood and Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression: Some women believe that reintroducing hormones like progesterone and estrogen helps to stabilize mood and prevent the 'baby blues'.
Increased Energy and Reduced Fatigue: The placenta contains iron and other nutrients, which advocates suggest can replenish iron stores depleted during childbirth and boost energy levels.
Enhanced Milk Production: It is claimed that placental hormones like human placental lactogen (hPL) can stimulate lactation.
Faster Postpartum Recovery: Proponents believe the placenta can aid in reducing postpartum bleeding and speeding up uterine recovery.

However, it is crucial to note that clinical studies have not substantiated these claims. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study found no significant differences in maternal mood, bonding, or fatigue between women who took placenta capsules and those who took a placebo. Many experts believe the positive effects women experience are a result of the placebo effect.

The Risks and Dangers of Eating Raw Placenta

Consuming raw placenta is particularly hazardous due to the significant risk of bacterial contamination. The placenta is not a sterile organ and can contain bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Contamination and Infection Risks

Bacterial Pathogens: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings against placenta consumption, especially encapsulation, following a documented case where an infant contracted a life-threatening group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection linked to the mother's contaminated placenta pills. Raw consumption carries an even greater risk as the tissue is not heated at all to reduce pathogens.
Toxic Accumulation: The placenta functions as a filter during pregnancy, accumulating heavy metals like mercury and lead. When ingested, these toxins are reintroduced into the mother's body.

Lack of Regulation

Unlike food, the preparation of placenta for consumption is unregulated by agencies like the FDA. This means there are no standardized safety protocols for handling and processing, leaving mothers vulnerable to improper and unhygienic practices.

Raw vs. Encapsulated: A Comparison of Preparation Methods

While raw consumption (often in smoothies) is one method, most people who practice placentophagy opt for encapsulation. The following table highlights the key differences and risks.


Feature	Raw Placenta	Encapsulated Placenta
Preparation	Consumed immediately after birth, blended into smoothies, or cooked. No heat processing.	Steamed (TCM method) or raw, dehydrated, and ground into powder for capsules.
Alleged Hormones/Nutrients	May theoretically retain more hormones and nutrients due to no heat exposure.	Retains some hormones and minerals, but concentrations are significantly reduced by processing.
Bacterial Risk	Highest risk of bacterial and viral contamination due to lack of heating.	Still carries a significant risk of contamination, as heating may not be sufficient to kill all pathogens.
Palatability	Many find the idea of consuming raw tissue unpleasant or difficult.	Consumed like a supplement, making it more palatable and discreet.
Consistency	Inconsistent in terms of hormonal and nutrient content per serving.	Standardized dose per capsule, though the content itself varies from placenta to placenta.

Exploring Safer Nutritional Alternatives Postpartum

Instead of turning to an unproven and potentially dangerous practice, new mothers can rely on evidence-based nutritional strategies for a healthier recovery. These methods offer proven benefits without the risks associated with placentophagy.

Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Iron Supplements: Postpartum anemia is a real concern. Supplementing with an oral iron tablet, especially if blood counts are low, is a safe and effective way to replenish iron stores.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for overall health and for supporting milk production.
Lactation Support: For concerns about milk supply, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for proven, personalized strategies.
Rest and Support: Prioritize rest and seek emotional support from family, friends, or a professional if experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.

Conclusion: Weighing the Risks and Anecdotes

Ultimately, the reasons why do people eat raw placenta are rooted in anecdotal beliefs and unproven claims, not scientific evidence. The practice carries significant health risks, particularly concerning bacterial contamination and potential exposure to toxins, and a lack of standardized safety protocols exacerbates these dangers. For new mothers seeking a nutritional boost or recovery support, safer, evidence-based methods such as a balanced diet, iron supplements, and professional care are recommended. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best way to develop a safe and effective postpartum nutrition and wellness plan.

For more information on evidence-based postpartum care, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's expert answers on eating the placenta.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, consuming raw placenta is not considered safe. The placenta is not sterile and carries a significant risk of contamination with bacteria and viruses, which can cause serious illness for both the mother and a breastfeeding infant.

Anecdotal claims include improved mood, increased energy, better lactation, and reduced postpartum bleeding. However, these benefits are not supported by scientific evidence, and controlled studies have found no difference between mothers who consume their placenta and those who don't.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating placenta prevents postpartum depression. Studies have shown no significant difference in mood between women who consumed placenta and those who took a placebo.

Besides eating it raw, the most common method is encapsulation, where the placenta is steamed or raw dehydrated, ground into a powder, and put into capsules. Some people also cook it or blend it into smoothies.

While the steaming process in some encapsulation methods may reduce some bacterial load, it does not guarantee the elimination of all infectious agents. The CDC has linked contaminated placenta capsules to infant illness.

Risks include potential exposure to infectious bacteria (like Group B Streptococcus), ingestion of heavy metals accumulated by the placenta, and possible adverse reactions like anxiety or headaches.

Yes, proven alternatives include a balanced and nutritious diet, iron supplements if recommended by a doctor, staying well-hydrated, and consulting healthcare professionals for lactation and mood support.