Placenta encapsulation (PE) is the practice of ingesting the placenta postpartum, usually after it has been processed into a powder and placed into pill capsules. The human placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. While common among non-human mammals, its adoption by new mothers in industrialized nations is a relatively recent phenomenon. The practice remains controversial because claims of its benefits are not backed by robust scientific evidence.
Defining Placenta Encapsulation and Preparation Methods
Placenta encapsulation transforms the organ into an ingestible supplement through a multi-step process. The placenta is cleaned, sliced, dehydrated using a food dehydrator, and then ground into a fine powder before being placed into capsules. This preparation is typically done by a trained specialist or doula shortly after birth.
There are two primary preparation methods, each based on a different philosophy. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method involves steaming the placenta with herbs like ginger and lemon before dehydration. Proponents believe steaming balances “yin” (cold) and “yang” (warmth) following birth and aids sanitation.
The alternative is the raw method, which skips steaming and immediately dehydrates the raw placenta tissue. Advocates of the raw preparation argue that avoiding heat preserves more of the organ’s native hormones and nutrients. Both methods create a shelf-stable product for consumption during the postpartum recovery period.
Reported Reasons for Ingestion (Anecdotal Claims)
New mothers choose placenta encapsulation hoping to experience several postpartum benefits. The most frequently cited reason is the potential to improve mood and mitigate the “baby blues” or symptoms of postpartum depression. This effect is often attributed to the reintroduction of placental hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Women also report a noticeable increase in energy and a reduction in fatigue after beginning the capsules. Other claims suggest that consuming the placenta can aid lactation by boosting milk supply. Mothers also expect the capsules to replenish iron stores depleted due to blood loss during childbirth. These claims are based on personal accounts and traditional beliefs, not controlled scientific study.
The Scientific Consensus on Efficacy
There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to support the clinical benefits of placenta encapsulation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against the practice, stating that no human or animal data demonstrates a clear benefit.
Studies show that while encapsulated placenta contains trace amounts of iron and hormones, the processing methods—especially steaming—cause significant degradation. One analysis found the iron content was modest, providing only about one-quarter of the recommended daily intake for a breastfeeding woman. Clinical trials comparing capsules to a placebo found no significant difference in postpartum maternal iron levels.
Research also indicates that processing the placenta can reduce hormone concentrations, such as estradiol and progesterone, by 85% to 99.6%. Placebo-controlled trials focusing on mood and fatigue found no significant differences in measures of maternal mood, fatigue, or bonding. The scientific consensus is that any positive effects experienced are likely due to a powerful placebo effect, rather than the physiological action of the capsule’s contents.
Safety Concerns and Potential Risks
Placenta encapsulation carries several safety concerns, largely due to the lack of regulation and standardization. A significant risk is bacterial contamination, which can occur if the placenta is not handled, stored, or processed correctly. The placenta, like any raw meat, can harbor pathogens such as Group B Streptococcus (S. agalactiae).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the encapsulation process may not eradicate infectious pathogens. In one documented case, a newborn developed recurrent sepsis after the mother ingested contaminated capsules, passing the bacteria to the infant through breast milk. The lack of regulation means there are no standardized protocols for preparation temperature, sanitation, or dosage, introducing unpredictability.
The placenta also acts as a filter during pregnancy, accumulating environmental toxins and heavy metals from the mother’s bloodstream. Consuming the organ means ingesting these accumulated substances, the long-term effects of which are unknown. Unpredictable levels of residual hormones also present a risk, potentially interfering with the mother’s natural hormonal recovery or impacting breastfeeding.