First Clinical Study On Consuming Placenta Shows No Benefit In Increasing Iron Levels

A placebo-controlled study, done at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, U.S.A, has shown that consuming the encapsulated form of human placenta is neither beneficial nor detrimental for elevating the iron levels of post-partum mothers. The placenta capsule was compared to a beef placebo.

Impact of the study on placenta consumption 

An expectant mother's body requires iron supplementation since this important metal is not only utilised by the growing fetus, but the physiological changes that occur in the mother result in increased plasma production which leads to a dilutional anaemia. Increased iron supplementation is then needed during and after pregnancy to build the mother's iron stores up so that the fetus can use the element to develop, and for the increased production of red blood cells to counter the increased plasma production from causing a physiological anaemia.

The idea behind using encapsulated placenta as a source of iron came from the fact that placenta does indeed contain a high amount of iron. The issue was that no clinical studies were done to confirm whether the practice of placenta consumption actually offered any benefit to increasing iron levels. The evidence was anecdotal at best from those who used the product, and this spurred the need for conducting the clinical study.

23 women completed the 3 week study of which 10 women were given the encapsulated placenta and 13 were given the dehydrated beef placebo. Blood tests to monitor changes in iron levels were done before and after delivery of the baby and also at 1 and 3 weeks post-partum. It was then found that no major differences in serum iron levels were detected between the 2 groups of test subjects.

Suggestions based on the study

Since the practice of consuming human placenta hasn't shown any evidence of elevating iron levels in mothers who are pregnant or who have given birth, it is then suggested that these individuals should rather discuss using adequate iron supplementation with their healthcare professionals.

This is especially important since iron deficiency in pregnancy can lead to medical problems such as irregular heartbeats and decreased oxygenation of vital organs and, also especially, the unborn fetus. 

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Further research into placenta consumption

Changes in hormonal levels during and after pregnancy result in the mentioned experiences. Therefore, a larger study is currently being done where encapsulated placenta is compared to a placebo to ascertain whether these products will affect changes in hormonal levels in pregnant and post-partum women. 

Iron Deficiency Anaemia In Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anaemia can occur in pregnancy since the expectant mother's blood volume expands to accommodate the physiological changes that are occurring in her body. This allows the unborn baby to produce their own entire blood supply and therefore doubles the mothers need for iron.

If the mother doesn't have enough iron stores or if they don't get enough iron during pregnancy, then they can develop an iron deficiency anemia.

Risk factors for developing anaemia in women

Women have an increased chance of developing an iron deficiency anaemia as opposed to men. The following are the main reasons behind this.

• Having a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow.
• Having two or more pregnancies close to one another.
• Being pregnant with 2 or more babies.
• Vomiting frequently due to morning sickness.
• Not consuming enough iron.

Symptoms of anaemia during pregnancy

The following are symptoms experienced by pregnant women and should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner if they are present.

• Becoming increasingly pale.
• Excessive weakness and fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Experiencing heart palpitations.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Pica - craving non-food items such as sand, dirt or chalk.

READ Could You Be Anemic? Symptoms Of Anemia In Women

Complications of anaemia

The following will explain the complications that can be caused by an iron deficiency anaemia.

Pregnancy complications

Babies, who are born to mothers with an iron deficiency anaemia that isn't optimally treated, are more likely to experience the following issues:

• To be born prematurely.
• To have a low birth weight.
• Do less well in mental ability tests compared to other children.
• Have low iron level issues themselves.

Tiredness

Patients with an iron deficiency anaemia can feel tired and lethargic, and this can result in excessive sleepiness and decreased work productivity.

Increased risk of infections

Iron deficiency anaemia had been clinically proven to affect an individual's immune system, therefore making one more vulnerable to acquiring an infection.

Heart and lung problems

Adults can develop an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure which can affect one's breathing.

Managing anaemia during pregnancy

The main source of iron is through one's diet. These dietary sources of iron include animal products such as lean red meat, fish and poultry. Non-meat options for iron intake through diet include legumes, iron-fortified breakfast cereals and vegetables. 

Iron from animal products is more easily absorbed and the absorption rate of this element, from plant-based foods and supplements, is enhanced by consuming drinks or foods that are high in vitamin C (orange juice, strawberries or tomato juice).

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A pregnant women needs 27mg of iron every day and the average dietary intake of iron by these individuals is only about 15mg per day. It's therefore clearly evident that a pregnant mother needs iron supplementation.

A healthcare practitioner would prescribe prenatal vitamins, that typically contain iron, to pregnant mothers. Taking these prenatal vitamins can help prevent and treat anemia during pregnancy and, in some cases, the healthcare provider might end up recommending a separate iron supplement. 

Although it is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, calcium supplementation should be avoided as this can reduce the absorption of iron. Enough calcium is taken in through one's diet, therefore supplementing with it isn't necessary during pregnancy.

Other causes of anaemia should also be excluded by the pregnant patient's healthcare provider, especially if they are using iron supplements and are still experiencing signs and symptoms of anaemia. Issues such as gastric or small bowel surgery will result in decreased absorption of iron and would therefore mean that the patient would need intravenous administration of iron.