Why People Eat Placenta and How Common It Is
People eat placenta mainly because of beliefs about postpartum recovery, energy, and mood. In the United States, placenta encapsulation services have grown with the broader wellness industry, and some doulas and midwives market placenta pills as a way to support breastfeeding and reduce fatigue. The practice, often called placentophagy, is part of a wider trend of using human tissue in complementary wellness routines, and it appears in search trends alongside terms like postpartum nutrition, maternal health, and natural recovery. The placenta is processed by steaming, dehydrating, and grinding it into capsules, or it is consumed raw in smoothies or cooked in meals, and the market is concentrated in urban areas with high demand for alternative postpartum services Forbes.
Consumer Demand and Market Size
Consumer demand for placenta services is driven by word-of-mouth, social media, and celebrity influence, and it overlaps with the broader postpartum wellness economy that includes lactation consultants, belly wrapping, and specialized vitamins. The market is still niche, but encapsulation businesses report steady inquiries and repeat customers, especially in cities where home birth and midwifery services are more common. Search interest spikes around birth seasons and after high-profile public figures discuss postpartum routines, and companies in this space often emphasize customization, sterile processing, and personalized dosing Forbes.
What Science Says About Placenta Consumption
Most medical organizations say there is no strong evidence that eating placenta provides health benefits for humans. Systematic reviews and clinical studies have found little proof that placenta capsules improve mood, increase milk supply, or reduce postpartum depression, and they note that the placenta can harbor bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants if it is not processed under strict conditions. Researchers emphasize that while some animals eat placenta, human placentophagy is culturally specific and not supported by robust clinical trials, and the risks include infection, exposure to pollutants, and inconsistent dosing National Institutes of Health.
Key Research Findings and Gaps
Small studies have detected trace hormones and minerals in placenta capsules, but the amounts are generally low and vary widely between samples, making it hard to claim consistent effects. Scientists call for more standardized research on safety, composition, and long-term outcomes, and they note that most existing studies are limited by small sample sizes and self-reported benefits. Public health agencies warn that women should discuss placenta consumption with their healthcare providers, especially if they have infections, preterm births, or other risk factors, and they highlight the need for clear labeling and quality control in encapsulation services National Institutes of Health.
Regulation, Companies, and Safety Standards
In the United States, placenta encapsulation is not regulated as a drug or food by the Food and Drug Administration, and most states treat it as a service rather than a health product, which means oversight is limited and standards vary by provider. Some companies market placenta pills as dietary supplements, but they must follow general good manufacturing practices, and the FDA can take action if products are mislabeled or contaminated. Industry groups and professional organizations have pushed for clearer guidelines on sanitation, training, and disclosure, and they encourage consumers to ask about