A study found no scientific evidence to back up claims that eating the placenta either raw, cooked or encapsulated offers protection against post-natal depression or post-delivery pain and lactation
There is no evidence that mothers who eat the placenta after giving birth receive any health benefit, research has found.
A review of 10 studies on placentophagy in humans and other mammals did not find any scientific evidence to back up claims that eating the placenta either raw, cooked or encapsulated offers protection against post-natal depression.
Neither was it found to help with other issues such as post-delivery pain and lactation, nor to promote skin elasticity, enhance maternal bonding or replenish iron in the body, the research carried out in the United States by Northwestern Medicine found.
No research was found into potential risks from eating the placenta, which has become a celebrity trend in recent years.
Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said it was not something that midwives would recommend.
She said: "As this paper finds there is little or no evidence around women eating their placenta.
"Indeed as it suggests, there may be potential dangers in doing so, though again there is no evidence to support that either.
"As a result midwives will not advise women about eating their placenta because of this lack of evidence, and it must be the woman's choice if she chooses to do so.
"Women should be aware that like any foodstuff, placentas can go bad, so care will be needed about how they are stored.
"If a woman is intending to do this they should discuss it with their midwife ahead of the birth so that arrangements can be made to ensure she gets her placenta."