Placenta consumption no benefits

Eating the placenta <!- or after-birth -> has become fashionable – but it has no health benefits, researchers claimed yesterday.

The practice is controversial but has been common in some Asian cultures.

Now a major study has concluded that it does not offer protection against post-natal depression nor does it reduce pain after labour.

Researchers analysing ten studies of the practice also found no evidence that it boosted energy, helped with breast-feeding or aided maternal bonding. There was also no evidence of benefits for the skin.

This applied whether the substance was eaten raw, cooked or in capsules.

The findings were published by researchers at Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, USA.

The findings were backed by the UK Royal College of Midwives – which said it would not advise women for or against the practice.

Louise Silverton, of the college, said: “As a result midwives will not advise women about eating their placenta because of this lack of evidence, and it must be the woman’s choice if she chooses to do so. Women should be aware that like any foodstuff, placentas can go off, so care will be needed about how they are stored.

“If woman is intending to do this they should discuss it with their midwife ahead of the birth so that arrangements can be made to ensure she gets her placenta.”