VIDEO. Eat your placenta: a trendy practice, but not without risks

Calvin Harris surprised his fans. Furthermore, After the birth of his son Micah. Meanwhile, the British DJ unveiled Tuesday August 4 on Instragram having cooked the placenta of his wife, Vick Hope. Meanwhile, The organ was steamed, dehydrated, then transformed into capsules. Additionally, Meanwhile, This practice, Placentophagia, seduces many American celebrities in recent years from Kim Kardashian to Chrissy Teigen. Therefore, But behind the glamorous image. However, the promises of benefits, doctors alert: no proven effect, real health risks, and a strict ban in France.

Consumed in steak, tacos, smoothie …. capsules, the placenta would offer faster recovery after childbirth, a reduction in the risk of baby blues, renewed energy or “baby skin” according to its followers. “On the scientific level, there is no elements to think that the absorption of the placenta could video. eat your placenta: trendy be beneficial. Admittedly. it contains iron and proteins, like red meat, but nothing proves effects beyond simple nutrition, “says Professor Damien Subtle, chief of the woman, mother and child at the Lille University Hospital (59).

An ancient tradition – Video. eat your placenta: trendy

The consumption of the placenta does not date from yesterday. Medieval stories already praised its virtues for fertility and postpartum vitality. In China, under the Ming dynasty, medical texts lent him nutritious and anti-aging effects. However. recalls the doctor: “We do not see how an organ absorbed only once, even with young cells, could prolong youth. The cells are destroyed in the digestive system. »»

Since a 2012 circular, the placenta has been legally considered as medical waste. It can only be kept for scientific or therapeutic purposes, and still after the mother’s written consent. “Even if he leaves our body, it video. eat your placenta: trendy does not belong to us,” said the gynecologist. The goal: to avoid bacteriological risks and prevent any commercial drift. When expelled, the placenta goes through the vagina, which houses “billions of microbes”.

In France. some women choose to bypass the law by giving birth at home, without medical assistance, often accompanied by a doula. But then again, experts warn: “Even if the risk of hemorrhage is 1 %, it should not be taken. During a massive bleeding, the hospital can save life, ”alerts Professor Damien Subtle.

To take advantage of the same nutritional intakes praised by the followers of Placentophagia. “eat fatty fish, green vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds … and above all, sleep as soon as we have the opportunity. Childbirth and postpartum is like a trek: you have to save your energy, ”says the doctor.