title: A Literature Review on the Practice of Placentophagia.
abstract: Placentophagia (consuming the placenta) has historically not been a common practice among humans. Over the past few decades the practice has gained attention as more women, particularly educated, middle-class, White American women, choose to partake in this practice. Purported benefits of placentophagia include pain relief, increased breast milk production, and decreased risk of postpartum depression; however, there is a lack of evidence to support these claims. The placenta can be consumed raw, cooked, or encapsulated; it can be used for keepsakes; or it can be used to make topical applications such as dermatologic creams and hair-growth products. Placentophagia has typically been viewed as a personal choice, resulting in little rigorous scientific research on the topic. More research is necessary to determine if the purported health benefits of placentophagia are proven.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Marissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giovinazzo
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D002755:Choice Behavior; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000517:prevention & control; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D010920:Placenta; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: eating the placenta; literature review; placenta; placenta encapsulation; placentophagia