Placentophagy – eating the placenta, inherent to many
higher mammals that are rarely found in human
culture. Kim Kardashian and Januari Jones claim that eating
The placenta protects them from depression. Amazon already offers books for
imitators of the new “culinary flow.” Even on the internet
there were suppliers that squeeze the dried placenta in
capsules.
Contents
What does the placenta contain?
In addition to proteins and various vitamins, the placenta contains high
levels of corticoliberin – a hormone that reduces stress. In
pregnancy time corticoliberin production by the placenta sharply
increases and peaks at birth.
Even in the postpartum period, the placenta contains very
high hormone levels. Some believe that its use
can bring maternal hormone levels back to normal
range.
It is also believed that consumption of the placenta stimulates the release
oxytocin in the brain. Oxytocin enhances contractions of the uterus and
facilitates generic activities. It is believed that the hormone improves
psycho-emotional state of women and physical health.
Does the placenta help with postpartum depression?
Medical anthropologist Sharon Young from the University of Nevada at
Las Vegas for the first time checked whether placentophagy affects
postpartum depression.27 women regularly filled out questionnaires about
health status from the 36th week of pregnancy and in the first months
after childbirth. In saliva samples it was examined whether
intestinal hormones from the placenta.
After giving birth, women took capsules daily for 3
weeks. In 12 women, they were filled with dehydrated and
homogenized placenta. The remaining 15 women in capsules
contained beef or vegetarian substitute. Of course,
the women were not told what tablet they got.
According to the presented results, hormones got into
blood circulation of women. All 15 hormones studied were found in
saliva.
However, the placenta did not cause “stunning”
effect.
According to the information contained in the questionnaires, the mood of the young
mothers and their attachment to the child have not improved. According to Young,
faster recovery from childbirth was not detected.
Only a definite decrease in the symptoms of depression was observed.
However, the number of study participants was too
small, to prove or eliminate the anti-depressive effect.
Therefore, scientists hope for further research with great
number of participants, which can bring additional clarity.
Placenta preparations are part of the traditional repertoire
Chinese medicine. In Germany Inplacen, Placentan or Placentubex
were popular hormonal drugs in the postwar period.
They were offered primarily for external use as
anti wrinkle creams.
What other scientists think about eating or preserving
placenta?
Many modern researchers are skeptical
Does the practice of placentophagy have value to humans?
A scientific review of 2015 research has shown that
there is evidence that placenta reduces the risk of postpartum
depression and accelerates the recovery of women.
Incorrect evidence was found in the study.
that placentophagy is useful for the resumption of normal
menstrual cycle and milk production. The authors stated that the risks
Placentophagy require additional study.
The scientist who had previously studied placenta-eating animals
stated in 2007 that the benefits are not proven to people. Thermal
The treatment destroys all hormones and proteins. Drying or
freezing also destroys most nutrients.
The placenta can cause side effects and complications?
There is a risk of spreading diseases transmitted through
blood that is present in the placenta of an alien mother.
Manufacturers need to follow proper procedures.
storage and preparation to prevent bacterial
infection.
Researchers claim that the risks of consumption of the placenta
still require further study.
Placentophagy – a procedure with unproven efficacy, which
potentially reduces the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Potential health risks and efficacy will be examined in
further research.
