The Myth vs. The Reality: What Are the Benefits of Placenta Supplements?
Proponents of consuming placenta, a practice known as placentophagy, often cite a range of potential benefits derived from the organ's nutritional and hormonal content. The most common method of consumption is encapsulation, where the placenta is steamed, dehydrated, and ground into a powder to be put into capsules. Anecdotal reports and small surveys have fueled interest in the practice, but a stark contrast exists between these personal experiences and the conclusions drawn from scientific studies.
Anecdotal Claims and Reported Experiences
Based on self-reported experiences, particularly from surveys of women who have consumed their placenta, several potential benefits are frequently mentioned:
- Improved Mood and Reduced "Baby Blues": Many women report experiencing an improved mood and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). The theory is that consuming the placenta, which contains hormones like oxytocin and progesterone, can help balance the mother's hormones after the rapid drop following childbirth.
- Increased Energy Levels: Reduced fatigue and increased energy are commonly reported, with advocates suggesting that the iron and other nutrients in the placenta are responsible.
- Enhanced Milk Supply: Some mothers believe placenta supplements boost their breast milk production. The claim is that hormones like prolactin contained in the placenta aid in lactation.
- Quicker Recovery and Less Bleeding: Quicker healing, faster uterine recovery (involution), and reduced postpartum bleeding are other claimed benefits.
The Scientific Consensus: Lack of Evidence
Despite the positive anecdotal experiences, major medical and health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic, do not endorse placentophagy. A key reason for this stance is the overwhelming lack of scientific evidence to support the claimed benefits.
- Limited Research: The vast majority of research on the topic has found no conclusive evidence that placenta consumption provides any clinical benefit to human mothers. A review of studies in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that placentophagy offers no benefit and could be harmful.
- The Placebo Effect: The positive feelings reported by many women are often attributed to a placebo effect. If a person expects to feel better after taking a supplement, they often will, regardless of the supplement's actual properties.
- Ineffective Nutrient Source: A 2016 study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found no significant difference in maternal iron levels between women who took placenta capsules and those who took a placebo. While the capsules contained iron, the amount was too small to have a therapeutic effect.
- Possible Hormonal Disruption: Contrary to the claim that it helps balance hormones, some experts suggest that reintroducing hormones like progesterone via placenta supplements could actually inhibit the production of prolactin, potentially leading to decreased milk supply.
The Significant Health Risks of Consuming Placenta
The potential risks associated with consuming placenta are a major reason for medical experts' caution. Unlike other food products, placenta processing is unregulated, and no standardized safety protocols exist.
- Infection Risk: The CDC issued a warning in 2017 after a newborn contracted a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacterial infection from contaminated placenta capsules ingested by the mother. The preparation process, particularly if not heated to proper sterilization levels, may not kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Infections can be passed to the infant during breastfeeding.
- Contamination with Heavy Metals and Toxins: The placenta acts as a filter, protecting the fetus from toxins, pollutants, and waste products. Consuming the placenta means ingesting these accumulated substances. Studies have detected potentially harmful elements like lead and mercury in processed placenta, though often below toxicity thresholds.
- Hormonal Imbalance and Side Effects: Reintroducing hormones can have unintended consequences. Some women report negative side effects such as increased anxiety, jitteriness, headaches, and digestive issues. There is also a theoretical risk of increasing blood clotting factors, raising the risk of thromboembolism.
- Lack of Regulation and Safety Concerns: The lack of oversight for placenta encapsulation companies is a major concern. There is no guarantee that the process is hygienic or that the final product is safe.
Weighing the Claims vs. the Evidence: Is It Worth the Risk?
To help new mothers make an informed decision, this table compares the common claims of placenta supplements against the current scientific evidence and associated risks.
| Feature | Anecdotal Claim | Scientific Findings & Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Mood | Helps prevent postpartum depression by balancing hormones like oxytocin. | Studies show no significant difference in mood between placebo and placenta groups. A placebo effect is likely. Risk of increased anxiety exists. |
| Increased Energy | Boosts energy levels by replenishing iron and other nutrients. | A UNLV study found no significant effect on iron levels in new mothers. Energy boost is likely a placebo effect. |
| Enhanced Lactation | Increases milk supply due to hormones like prolactin. | No scientific evidence supports this. Some experts theorize that reintroducing progesterone could decrease milk supply. |
| Speedy Recovery | Aids in recovery, wound healing, and reduces postpartum bleeding. | No human studies confirm this benefit. Animal studies show some potential, but human translation is unproven. |
| Safety and Purity | Prepared safely by professionals, providing a natural supplement. | Processing is largely unregulated and lacks standardized safety protocols. Risk of bacterial (like GBS) and viral contamination is significant. |
Safer, Evidence-Based Alternatives for Postpartum Health
Instead of relying on unproven and potentially risky placenta supplements, new mothers can focus on scientifically validated methods for supporting their physical and mental health. These options have been proven to help with postpartum recovery without the associated dangers:
- Prioritize a Nutritious Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, healthy proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables is crucial. This provides the body with the nutrients it needs to heal and replenish itself after childbirth.
- Stay Hydrated and Rest: Proper hydration is essential for overall health and is critical for breastfeeding mothers. Similarly, prioritizing rest and sleep whenever possible can combat fatigue more effectively than an unproven supplement.
- Seek Professional Medical Care: For concerns about mood, lactation, or overall recovery, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is the best course of action. Doctors can provide proven treatments and safe supplement recommendations, such as iron pills or support for mood disorders.
- Get Social Support: A strong support network from family, friends, or postpartum doulas has a proven positive impact on maternal mental and emotional well-being.
- Consider Mental Health Support: If struggling with postpartum mood disorders, talking to a therapist or counselor is a safer and more effective treatment than consuming placenta capsules.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Placenta Supplements
While personal stories and anecdotal evidence may suggest potential psychological benefits from consuming placenta supplements, the scientific consensus is clear: the evidence is lacking. Furthermore, the practice carries significant and documented health risks, most notably the danger of bacterial contamination and infection. The potential harm to both mother and baby, as highlighted by the CDC's warning, far outweighs any unproven, placebo-driven benefits. Rather than investing in a costly and risky unregulated supplement, new mothers are best advised to prioritize proven postpartum recovery methods like a healthy diet, adequate rest, and professional medical support. The safest and most effective approach is to discuss any health concerns with a healthcare provider and rely on evidence-based care.
Weighing the Risks and Unproven Benefits
Anecdotal claims for placenta supplements are largely based on self-reported experiences and cultural traditions rather than verifiable scientific evidence.
Scientific studies have consistently found no significant clinical benefit, such as increased iron levels or improved mood, compared to a placebo.
The practice poses serious health risks, including bacterial and viral infection from improper processing, which has been linked to infant illness.
Because the preparation of placenta supplements is unregulated, there is no guarantee of safety, hygiene, or even the identity of the contents.
Safer, evidence-based alternatives for postpartum recovery, such as a nutritious diet, rest, and medical care, are strongly recommended by health experts.
Any positive effects from placenta supplements are likely due to a placebo effect, not the supplement's inherent properties.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Placenta Supplements
While personal stories and anecdotal evidence may suggest potential psychological benefits from consuming placenta supplements, the scientific consensus is clear: the evidence is lacking. Furthermore, the practice carries significant and documented health risks, most notably the danger of bacterial contamination and infection. The potential harm to both mother and baby, as highlighted by the CDC's warning, far outweighs any unproven, placebo-driven benefits. Rather than investing in a costly and risky unregulated supplement, new mothers are best advised to prioritize proven postpartum recovery methods like a healthy diet, adequate rest, and professional medical support. The safest and most effective approach is to discuss any health concerns with a healthcare provider and rely on evidence-based care.
Safer, Evidence-Based Alternatives for Postpartum Health
- Prioritize a Nutritious Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, healthy proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables is crucial. This provides the body with the nutrients it needs to heal and replenish itself after childbirth.
- Stay Hydrated and Rest: Proper hydration is essential for overall health and is critical for breastfeeding mothers. Similarly, prioritizing rest and sleep whenever possible can combat fatigue more effectively than an unproven supplement.
- Seek Professional Medical Care: For concerns about mood, lactation, or overall recovery, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is the best course of action. Doctors can provide proven treatments and safe supplement recommendations, such as iron pills or support for mood disorders.
- Get Social Support: A strong support network from family, friends, or postpartum doulas has a proven positive impact on maternal mental and emotional well-being.
- Consider Mental Health Support: If struggling with postpartum mood disorders, talking to a therapist or counselor is a safer and more effective treatment than consuming placenta capsules.
