The practice of placenta consumption, known as placentophagy, has been observed in most non-human mammals for various reasons. This behavior has recently gained popularity among human mothers seeking to utilize the organ for postpartum recovery and support. Modern placentophagy most commonly takes the form of placenta encapsulation, which involves processing the placenta into an ingestible supplement. This method is a growing trend in postpartum care, driven by anecdotal reports of significant benefits. This article will define the process of encapsulation, detail the preparation methods used, and examine the reported claims alongside the current medical and scientific perspective.
Defining Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation is the process of converting the placenta, the temporary organ that nourished the fetus during pregnancy, into a fine powder for consumption in capsule form. The fundamental rationale behind this practice is the belief that the placenta retains a concentration of beneficial hormones, vitamins, and minerals that can aid the mother’s transition into the postpartum period. Proponents suggest that ingesting the placenta can help the mother reintroduce these compounds back into her system after delivery.
The process aims to capture compounds like iron, which is often depleted after childbirth, and reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The practice offers a gentler, more palatable way to ingest the tissue over several weeks compared to the immediate, raw consumption seen in the animal kingdom. Human placentophagy has historical roots, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The final product is a series of pills, often yielding between 75 to 200 capsules, which are taken daily like any other dietary supplement.
Methods of Preparation
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method
The preparation of the placenta for encapsulation is typically performed using one of two main methods. The first is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) inspired method, which begins with lightly steaming the placenta before dehydration. Steaming is often done with warming agents like ginger, lemon, or chili, which is believed to balance the mother’s “yin” energy after birth. This steaming step is also thought to sanitize the tissue and make the nutrients more bioavailable. After steaming, the placenta is thinly sliced, dehydrated until brittle, and then ground into a fine powder. This powder is finally placed into capsules for ingestion.
Raw Method
The second common approach is the Raw method, which bypasses the steaming step entirely. Proponents of the Raw method believe that heating the placenta destroys valuable nutrients and hormones, preferring to keep the tissue raw. Following cleaning, the placenta is immediately sliced and placed into the dehydrator, usually at a lower temperature compared to the TCM method. While the Raw method intends to preserve a higher concentration of active compounds, the lack of steaming raises potential food safety concerns. Both methods conclude with the standardized steps of dehydration, grinding, and encapsulation.
Efficacy Claims and Medical Perspective
Anecdotal reports from mothers who consume encapsulated placenta cite a wide range of perceived benefits for postpartum recovery. Claims frequently involve mood stabilization and a reduced risk of experiencing postpartum depression or the “baby blues.” Users also report an increase in energy levels and improved vitality during the early weeks of motherhood.
Other claims center on physical recovery, including a reduction in postpartum bleeding and increased iron stores to combat anemia. Some mothers also believe the capsules support lactation, reporting an enhanced milk supply. These personal accounts are the primary source of information supporting the practice.
Despite this anecdotal support, scientific evidence backing the efficacy of placenta encapsulation remains limited. Rigorous human clinical trials have generally failed to demonstrate measurable differences in postpartum mood, energy, or iron levels between women taking placenta capsules and those taking a placebo. While analyses confirm the presence of hormones like progesterone and estradiol in the pills, their concentration and biological potency are still debated.
Major health organizations have issued warnings against the practice, citing significant safety concerns. The encapsulation process is largely unregulated, raising the risk of bacterial contamination if the tissue is not handled or processed correctly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted a case where a newborn developed a life-threatening Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection linked to bacteria in the mother’s contaminated capsules. This risk of infectious pathogen transmission, combined with the lack of demonstrable benefit, leads medical professionals to caution against consumption.