Although various species of mammals may choose to consume their afterbirth, that doesn't mean that it's something humans should be doing. Although advocates of placentophagy tout the benefits associated with this practice, there's actually very little scientific evidence to suggest that eating human placenta offers any actual benefits. In fact, there's good science to support some real--and potentially serious--downsides to the practice, particularly if the experience is shared with friends and family.

Fans of placentophagy argue that eating human placenta helps "rebalance" and "restore" women following childbirth. They claim that the hormones contained in afterbirth can improve milk production, minimize bleeding after delivery and reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression. They also point out that the placenta, which is rich in iron, can help reverse pregnancy-related anemia.

Most of these claims, however, are largely unsubstantiated. Evidence in the medical or scientific literature to back them up is virtually nonexistent. And, I would venture to guess, there are very few physicians in this country who would recommend eating afterbirth as a way of ramping up lactation or staving off the "baby blues." As for iron-deficiency anemia, most doctors would opt for placenta-free iron supplements over afterbirth any day.

The risks associated with a woman eating her own placenta may not be tremendous. However, turning the practice into a shared experience is highly risky. The placenta is an incredibly vascular tissue and contains a substantial amount of blood. Serious illnesses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be contracted through exposure to placental tissue if the woman happens to be infected. Simply handling the placenta is sufficient to spread disease; eating it certainly poses risks as well (and, no, thoroughly cooking the placenta doesn't necessarily make it safe to eat).

If the thought of eating placenta is disgusting to you, it is--at least in part--probably because there's good reason for it: Eating afterbirth can be dangerous. Most of us go to great lengths to keep ourselves healthy. We exercise, diet and go for regular (and sometimes uncomfortable) screening tests to cheat disease and live longer, healthier lives. To take such a seemingly unnecessary risk by feasting on human afterbirth simply seems silly. If it's an edgy dinner party you're after, there are plenty of easier and safer ways to do it.

For a personal perspective, see Zester Daily's A Stylish Placenta Feast.

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You said, "If it's an edgy dinner party you're after, there are plenty of easier and safer ways to do it."

Yeah, let's have a crack party! That's a much more socially acceptable thing in the U.S., isn't it? We are a strange people.

drfugawe , August 24, 2009