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Postpartum: eating your placenta, false:
For the past few months, the hashtag #placentacapsules has multiplied on Tiktok and Instagram. Moreover, postpartum: eating your placenta, false Influencers or young mothers share their experience there, praising a regained energy, rebosted morale and better recovery after childbirth. For example,
The practice. Similarly, known as Placentophagia, consists in transforming the placenta into capsules, often thanks to specialized companies which dehydrate it and then reduce it into powder.
In the United States, the trend gained momentum in the 2010s, encouraged by stars like Kim Kardashian or January Jones. However, More recently, the DJ Calvin Harris revived the debate by publishing on the networks the placenta of his encapsulated wife.
But behind the attractive. Therefore, “natural” image, French health experts alert: no medical benefit is demonstrated and the health risks are very real. For example, Without forgetting that, with us, the placenta is considered to be a medical waste at infectious risk … therefore strictly prohibited for consumption.
A practice that seduces but without scientific postpartum: eating your placenta, false evidence
Originally, the placeophagy draws from old beliefs. Similarly, The placenta would be rich in nutrients. In addition, hormones, capable of preventing postpartum depression, improving lactation or restoring energy to the young mother. However, the studies carried out so far are formal, no significant medical effect could be demonstrated.
An American study published in 2017 followed two groups of women: one consuming its own placenta capsules. the other a simple placebo. And, no measurable difference on mood, fatigue or prevention of postpartum depression.
Analyzes have also shown that capsules contain certain nutrients or hormones … but in very small quantities, insufficient to have a significant biological effect. In other words, if some women say they feel better, it is probably the placebo effect that is at stake.
As summarized by the High Authority for Health (HAS). “No robust scientific data makes it possible to recommend the consumption of postpartum: eating your placenta, false the placenta for medical purposes”.
Risks: when the placenta becomes dangerous – Postpartum: eating your placenta, false
If the benefits are uncertain, the dangers are very real. The placenta, let us remember, is a filter organ. It captures and eliminates many potentially harmful substances for nine months to protect the fetus. Swallowing pieces or capsules can therefore expose toxic residues or pathogenic bacteria.
One case marked the spirits in 2016. in Oregon (United States): a mother who consumed her placenta capsules transmitted a serious bacterial infection to her newborn via breastfeeding. The child had to be hospitalized in an emergency for a septicemia.
In France. the MACSF (mutual insurance company for healthcare professionals) recalls that the placenta is considered to be waste of infectious risk care activity (DASRI). It must therefore be eliminated according to a strict protocol (disinfection or incineration). Consumption or presentation of the placenta to the patient is postpartum: eating your placenta, false considered a health fault. In other words. what is presented as “natural” on Tiktok can, in reality, expose mothers and their babies to serious infections.
What the law says in France
French legislation leaves no room for doubt.
- The Civil Code (article 16-1) stipulates that the human body and its elements cannot be the subject of appropriation.
- The Ministry of Health recalled in a circular of August 29. 2012 that the placenta is a medical waste subject to strict regulations.
- Hospitals. maternities have the obligation to eliminate it, except in very specific cases of scientific or therapeutic research, and always with the written consent of the patient.
Thus. in France, no patient can demand to leave with her placenta, even less to have him transformed into capsules by a private company. Any practice of this type is illegal and liable to sanctions.
postpartum: eating your placenta, false
Why does the trend seduce anyway?
Despite prohibitions and warnings, fashion continues to seduce. For what ? First of all because the idea of ”regaining strength naturally” after childbirth is attractive. Many young mothers are looking for solutions to counter fatigue. baby blues, and find in this practice a comforting promise.
Then, social networks amplify positive testimonies, especially those of celebrities. However, as often, personal stories strike more imaginary than scientific data. Finally, the placebo effect plays a major role: feeling better after swallowing placenta capsules can be very real … but unrelated to their composition.
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According to a notice published by the National Health Safety Agency (ANSES). the placenta may contain not only bacteria (such as group B streptococcus), but also heavy metals and environmental pollutants accumulated during pregnancy. Several analyzes carried out in France have indeed shown that postpartum: eating your placenta, false the placenta can concentrate lead. mercury or cadmium, substances potentially toxic to the mother as for the infant.
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Further reading: “Chez Groupe Démourdy, we breast plique” – The success of Food-Trucks evenings has not denied – Chemicals forever cross placenta and breast milk affecting the immunity of babies – Never smoked a cigarette and yet suffering from lung cancer – In England, new data reveal the efficiency of local smoking weaning aid services.
