Lucy Devine
A doctor has issued a warning over the risks of eating placenta after Calvin Harris shared some birthing photos on social media this week that have really got people talking.
Following the announcement that Calvin Harris and Vick Hope have welcomed their first child together, the couple's followers had been warned not to check their latest Instagram upload.
Among the collection of post-labour pics was one of Hope's placenta, while a second snap showed the organ being cooked in what appeared to be a food dehydrator, and third showed it being turned into supplements.
These days, new parents can have the mother's placenta made into tablets, creams or balms, while others have memorabilia created using the organ, which forms in the womb during pregnancy.
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The placenta is connected to the baby via the umbilical cord, and provides essential nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy.
Known as 'placentophagy', many women consume their placenta due to the reported health benefits it can bring. Now, a doctor has set the record straight.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, told Tyla: "There is currently limited and inconclusive evidence to support any significant physical health benefits from eating the placenta.
"Some anecdotal reports and small studies have suggested that consuming placenta might help with postpartum recovery by providing nutrients such as iron and certain hormones, potentially reducing fatigue or improving milk production.
"However, robust clinical trials to substantiate these claims are lacking, and the medical community generally does not endorse placentophagy as a reliable health practice."
It's also reported that consuming placenta after birth may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, however, Dr Wylie explained that the evidence to back this up is 'sparse'.
"More rigorous research is needed before any mental health claims can be confidently supported," she explained.
Alongside reported health benefits, Dr Wylie explained there are some important considerations to make when deciding whether or not to consume your placenta.
"The placenta can potentially harbour harmful bacteria or viruses, posing a risk of infection if it is not prepared properly," she said.
"The process of preparing placenta for consumption is not regulated, and contamination is a real concern.
"Additionally, there is the risk of ingesting environmental toxins or medications that have accumulated in the placenta during pregnancy. For these reasons, many healthcare professionals advise against placentophagy."
Ultimately, Dr Wylie advises parents to be fully informed about benefits and risks when deciding on placentophagy, explaining it should be discussed with their healthcare provider first.