Raw Placenta Concentrate
Also known as: Placental Extract, Placenta Powder, Placenta Capsules, Raw Placenta Concentrate
Overview
Raw Placenta Concentrate is a supplement derived from the human placenta, a temporary organ formed during pregnancy. It is typically processed through steaming, dehydration, or raw extraction and consumed orally or applied topically. This concentrate contains a complex mixture of hormones (such as oxytocin, estrogens, progesterone, human placental lactogen, ACTH, CRH), trace elements (like iron and selenium), and proteins. It is primarily used by postpartum women who believe it can aid in recovery, reduce fatigue, improve mood, support lactation, and replenish nutrients. However, the levels of hormones are significantly reduced by common processing methods. Research on its efficacy and safety is limited, consisting mostly of small pilot studies and observational reports, with few rigorous randomized controlled trials. The overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, with some studies showing no significant benefits and raising safety concerns.
Benefits
Current scientific evidence does not conclusively support significant benefits of raw placenta concentrate. One randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (n=27) found no significant improvement in maternal iron status or postpartum anemia after consuming steamed and dehydrated placenta capsules. Similarly, a small randomized controlled trial (n=12 vs. 15) observed no significant changes in maternal prolactin levels or newborn weight gain. While minor hormonal changes were noted in some studies, these did not translate into clear clinical benefits for mood, fatigue, or maternal bonding. The primary consumers are postpartum women, but no conclusive evidence supports benefits in this population. Effect sizes in available studies are small or non-significant, and clinical relevance remains unproven. No long-term benefits have been demonstrated, with studies typically assessing outcomes within weeks postpartum.
How it works
The proposed mechanism of action for raw placenta concentrate involves the supplementation of hormones and trace elements believed to support postpartum recovery and lactation. Theoretically, hormones like oxytocin and estrogens could influence mood, uterine contraction, and milk production by interacting with their respective receptors in the body. However, the bioavailability of these hormones after oral ingestion is questionable. Processing methods, such as steaming and dehydration, drastically reduce the hormone content in the placenta. Furthermore, oral ingestion means these hormones must survive digestion, which significantly limits their physiological impact. There is no direct evidence that oral placenta ingestion leads to the activation of hormonal receptors at levels sufficient to produce clinical effects.
Side effects
While generally considered safe when properly processed, concerns exist regarding contamination and infection risk with raw placenta concentrate. No well-documented common side effects have been observed in controlled studies. However, there are uncommon side effects, such as case reports of exogenous estrogen exposure in infants, leading to symptoms like vaginal bleeding and breast budding, when mothers consumed placenta products. Rare but serious side effects include the risk of infection transmission due to contamination during processing; the CDC has reported cases of neonatal group B streptococcal infection linked to contaminated placenta capsules. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but theoretical hormonal effects could interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or medications. Contraindications include cases with infection risk, hormone-sensitive cancers, or any condition where hormone supplementation is medically advised against. Infants exposed via breastfeeding may be at risk if the mother consumes contaminated or hormonally active placenta products.
Dosage
Due to a lack of demonstrated efficacy, a minimum effective dose for raw placenta concentrate has not been established. Consequently, there are no consensus or evidence-based recommendations for optimal dosage ranges or a maximum safe dose. Safety concerns primarily stem from potential contamination rather than dosage levels. Consumption typically occurs in the immediate postpartum period, but no data exists on the impact of timing. Most research has focused on steamed, dehydrated, and encapsulated placenta, rather than raw concentrate, making form-specific recommendations difficult. Processing significantly reduces hormone content, and the oral bioavailability of these hormones is generally low. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its purported effects.
FAQs
Does raw placenta concentrate improve postpartum recovery?
Current scientific evidence does not support significant benefits in areas like iron status, mood, or lactation for postpartum recovery.
Is it safe to consume placenta capsules?
There is a risk of infection if capsules are contaminated during processing. Regulatory bodies like the CDC advise caution due to potential health risks.
Can placenta consumption affect the baby?
Rare cases of hormone exposure and infection transmission to infants through breastfeeding have been reported when mothers consumed placenta products.
How long before effects are seen?
There is no consistent evidence of beneficial effects observed within the typical postpartum weeks of consumption.
Is steaming or dehydration necessary?
Processing methods like steaming or dehydration reduce hormone levels but may also reduce the risk of infection. Raw consumption is less studied and potentially riskier.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6138470/ – This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study investigated the effects of ingesting steamed and dehydrated placenta capsules on maternal iron status and postpartum fatigue. The findings indicated no significant improvement in these outcomes, despite slight alterations in hormone levels, suggesting a lack of clinical efficacy for the processed form of placenta.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765311/ – This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of placenta ingestion on maternal prolactin levels and infant weight gain. The study found no significant differences in these outcomes between the placenta and placebo groups. It also included a case report highlighting potential risks, such as infant estrogen exposure, raising safety concerns.
Recommended Articles
Milk Thistle & Liver Health: The Role of Silymarin
Silymarin in milk thistle significantly supports liver health by providing antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects on liver diseases.
Boost Brain Health: Key Ingredients for Aging
Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and curcumin are key ingredients that support cognitive function in aging, alongside the Mediterranean and MIND diets.
Best Ingredients for Kidney Health & Function
Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and following diets like the DASH and Mediterranean are crucial for kidney health.
Mushroom Supplement Extraction: Enhancing Potency
Extraction is essential to unlock the full potency of certain mushroom supplements like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane.