Although ancient practice has recorded the consumption of raw placenta in some cultures, many researchers remain skeptical about the benefits of this practice which is known as placentophagy. In fact, a researcher with experiences of animals consuming placentas mentioned in 2007 that there is no research to substantiate raw placentas consumption benefits. To him, the cooking process would destroy all the protein and hormones, and drying it or freezing it would also destroy all the goodness of it. Moreover, raw placenta exposes people to blood-borne diseases as the mother’s blood is shared with other people.

Unlike raw placenta, processed placenta is safer and more hygienic because stringent production processes and quality control that adhere to industry benchmark are observed. These processed placentas in the form of pills, capsules or even powder would undergo many tests before they are given stamp of approval by the authorities. Even the capsules used to contain the placenta in some brands would comply to the halal certification benchmark or shariah-compliant. Compared to raw placenta, processed placenta has proven to be beneficial and nourishing.