In recent years, the view that placenta is rich in vitamins and beneficial to women's health has aroused many people's interest. Some people think that eating placenta can alleviate the pain of pregnant women after delivery, increase breast milk production, improve energy level and harmonize the relationship between mother and child; Some people also think that it can supplement iron and store it in the body.

Some cultures that eat placenta believe that eating placenta can help women avoid depression and regain their vitality after childbirth. However, a research article from Northwestern University in the United States said that this is only based on its subjective assumptions and there is no basis for scientific research.

They believe that the rising prevalence of eating placenta in the past few years may be due to the influence of some women by media reports or online information. In a published paper, the research team of Northwest University said that they examined 65,438+00 studies related to placenta consumption, and there was no empirical evidence that eating placenta would bring any benefits to the body-whether it was eaten raw, cooked or made into medicine.

The placenta itself acts as a filter, absorbing nutrients and protecting the fetus from toxins and pollutants. Therefore, scientists say that bacteria or viruses may still exist in placental tissue after the fetus is born. Dr Dagni Rajasingan, spokesman of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said: "Although the blood flow of the placenta is very rich, there are still potential risks when the placenta is ingested into the body."