In a concerning alert this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised against the consumption of placenta pills by new mothers. This warning follows a case where a healthy baby born in September developed a serious B Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) infection—twice—after the mother ingested these pills.
The trend of eating placenta has gained traction in recent years, largely fueled by endorsements from parenting influencers and celebrities, who suggest that it can alleviate postpartum depression, enhance milk production, and boost energy levels. However, substantial scientific evidence supporting these claims is lacking. The Mayo Clinic notes, “While some proponents cite studies indicating potential benefits, these often rely on animal research or anecdotal evidence, and are frequently poorly structured. There is currently no reliable human research to validate the advantages of placentophagy.”
In the CDC case study, the newborn required hospitalization in the NICU and underwent an 11-day antibiotic regimen to combat the infection. Unfortunately, after returning home and breastfeeding, the infant contracted the bacteria a second time. The mother began taking dehydrated, encapsulated placenta pills just three days after the baby’s birth. The CDC found that the pills were contaminated with GBS and advised the mother to stop their use immediately. Once she discontinued the pills, the baby received another round of antibiotics and eventually recovered.
The CDC emphasizes the risks associated with placenta consumption, noting that there are no established standards for the processing of placenta for ingestion. They stated, “The placenta encapsulation process does not inherently eliminate infectious pathogens; thus, ingesting placenta capsules should be avoided.” The case highlighted by the CDC serves as a significant warning, as GBS is generally harmless to adults but can pose severe risks to newborns with immature immune systems.
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In summary, the risks associated with placenta consumption far outweigh any unproven benefits, as illustrated by the unfortunate case reported by the CDC. New mothers should be cautious and seek guidance from healthcare professionals regarding postpartum health practices.