Unfortunately, there have not been any studies to determine whether the concentrations of these hormones in placenta capsules are high enough to actually induce these beneficial physiological effects. Many biologically active substances are thought to be lost during the encapsulation process. In one of the few published studies investigating the composition of placenta capsules, only three out of the 17 hormones measured in part of the study were present in high enough levels to be physiologically relevant.
Notably, two of these hormones — oestradiol and progesterone — can actually supress milk production. Clearly, more studies are needed to substantiate claims placenta capsules provide hormonal benefits. Studies from rats have shown ingestion of the placenta can enhance the effects of opiates naturally produced by the body, that are part of the pain-relief system activated during labour and birth.
The pain-relieving properties come from a unique substance produced by the placenta known as placental opiod-enhancing factor. Like rats, human placentas are also thought to contain the opioid-enhancing factor. Rats also ingest the entire placenta in one sitting immediately after giving birth.
This is thought to be important for ensuring they consume enough of the opioid-enhancing factor to gain any benefits. Some micronutrients, such as iron, are retained during encapsulation. But even though placenta capsules contain high levels of iron, a randomised controlled study found there was no difference in iron levels between women who consumed placenta capsules and those who received placebo.
During pregnancy, the placenta regulates the transfer of substances between mother and baby. As such, accumulation of potentially toxic substances can occur. To date, there have been only a few small studies examining the toxicity profile of placenta capsules. In the animal kingdom, mammals have placentas, and there is near universal ingestion of the placenta in the immediate postpartum period of giving birth.
Exceptions that do not consume the placenta include all sea mammals, members of the camelid family camels, alpacas and llamas , and humans. Marsupials also do not ingest their placentas, as they are resorbed after giving birth. Within all species there are typically some individuals that do not follow the typical behavior of ingestion. This indicates that it is not an obligatory activity among mammals.
Amniotic fluid is licked throughout labor in mammals that consume placenta. Human mothers, on the other hand, are not attracted to their placenta, nor do they lick themselves or the amniotic fluid. They are focused on their baby in the postpartum period.
Mark B. Kristal, PhD at State University of New York at Buffalo, has spent over 40 years researching why mammals consume the placenta, and questioning whether humans do, and has found that humans do not consume their placenta after giving birth.
This serves to enhance the natural opioids produced during labor to reduce pain. It explains why animals lick the amniotic fluid in labor, and eat the placenta delivered after each birth in a multi-young delivery. This is good news for mothers needing to increase their iron intake as placenta contains a bioavailable source of iron. Some of the hormones and minerals the placenta contains and the benefits associated with consuming them include:.
Corticotropin releasing hormone CRH which helps us deal with stress better and may help prevent post-partum depression. Placental opioid enhancing factor POEF. This enhances already available opioids. It can help increase pain-relief and lead to better moods. Iron helps us recover from blood loss, gives us more energy and plays a big role in helping prevent postpartum depression.
Placenta encapsulation has become the more socially preferred method and is becoming increasingly popular by the day. This is a process that turns the placenta into capsules that look and taste like other vitamins or minerals.
It is essential to make sure the placenta has been properly cared for after birth and throughout the processing, dehydration and encapsulation process. Dehydration has been used for centuries as a way to preserve foods and maintain the nutrient levels Aguilera cited in Beacock It is an excellent way for the new mother to enjoy the benefits of the placenta in the early weeks and months after birth. Ploss, H.
Bartels, M.
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