In recent years, the view that placenta is rich in vitamins and beneficial to women's health has aroused many people's interest. Some people think that eating placenta can alleviate the postpartum pain of pregnant women, increase breast milk production, improve energy level and harmonize the relationship between mother and child; Others think that it can supplement iron and store it in the body.

Some cultures that eat placenta believe that eating placenta can help women avoid depression and restore their vitality after giving birth. However, a research article from Northwestern University in the United States said that this is only based on its subjective assumptions and there is no scientific research basis.

They believe that the reason why the prevalence of eating placenta has been rising in the past few years may be that some women have been influenced by media reports or online information. In the published paper, the research team of Northwest University said that they have examined 10 studies related to placental consumption, and there is no empirical evidence that eating placenta will bring any benefits to the body-whether it is eaten raw, cooked or made into drugs.

Placenta itself acts as a filter, absorbing nutrients and protecting the fetus from toxins and pollutants. Therefore, scientists say that after the birth of the fetus, there may still be bacteria or viruses in the placenta. Dr Daghni Rajasingam, spokesman of the royal college of obstetrics and gynecology, said: "although the blood flow in the placenta is very rich, there are still potential risks when ingested into the body."