Can They Help Strengthen Your Body’s Natural Defenses?

Placenta pills are well-known to help the body and brain, but how can they defend against microbes, bacteria, and other foreign invaders? In this article, we take a look at immune health to see how placenta pills can benefit immunity, and learn what vitamins and antioxidants are present when consuming placenta (placentophagy).

In a world where immune health is top of mind, many people are exploring natural and holistic ways to support their body’s defense systems. One option that has been gaining momentum is the use of placenta pills — supplements made from dehydrated and encapsulated placenta, typically derived from human or porcine sources.

While the concept of consuming placenta may seem unconventional to some, placentophagy (the act of ingesting placenta) has deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now being reevaluated through a modern scientific lens. One of the emerging areas of interest? Immune support.

In this article, we explore how placenta pills may benefit immune health, what nutrients they contain, and why more people are turning to them as part of a holistic wellness routine.

What Are Placenta Pills?

Placenta pills are made by carefully processing the placenta into a powdered form, often by freeze-drying or steaming and then encapsulating it. The placenta is rich in bioactive compounds, including hormones, peptides, stem cells, amino acids, and growth factors. Some placenta pills use human placenta (usually post-birth), while others, like Vitamin Placenta, are made from porcine (pig) placenta — a safer, standardized, and GMP/ISO-certified option available over-the-counter in the U.S.

1. Rich in Immune-Modulating Nutrients

The placenta is a powerhouse of nutrients that may play a role in supporting the immune system:

• Iron – Critical for producing healthy red blood cells and ensuring proper oxygen delivery, iron is also essential for immune cell proliferation.
• Zinc – Known for its immune-boosting properties, zinc supports white blood cell function and helps fight off viruses and bacteria.
• Vitamin B6 & B12 – These vitamins help the body produce antibodies and are essential for nervous and immune system health.
• Peptides and Cytokines – Some studies have shown that placenta contains bioactive peptides that can regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation [1].

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation weakens the immune system over time, making the body more vulnerable to illness. Research suggests that placental extracts may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially due to the presence of interleukins, cytokines, and growth factors [2].

These compounds may help:

• Reduce chronic inflammation
• Balance immune responses (important for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Protect tissues from oxidative damage

These anti-inflammatory properties may help modulate immune function, supporting the body's ability to respond appropriately to threats without triggering excessive inflammation that can damage tissues.

Placenta also has important vitamins for antioxidant health such as:

1. Vitamin C

   - Helps neutralize free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
   
   

2. Vitamin E

   - Protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and works with Vitamin C
   
   

3. Vitamin A

   - Prevents celluar damage by reducing free radicals 
   
   

4. Vitamin D

   - Regulates immune system function and body
   
   

5. Vitamin B2

   - Involved in production of gluthathione
   
   

6. Vitamin B6

   - Suports antioxidant defenses by protecting and producing gluthathione

3. Natural Adaptogens for Stress-Related Immune Suppression

When you're stressed, your immune system can become suppressed — making you more likely to get sick. The placenta contains corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and placental opioid-enhancing factor (POEF), which may have adaptogenic effects. These help balance hormonal stress responses and promote emotional wellbeing [3].

Stress is a major suppressor of immune health. Placenta contains compounds like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and endorphins that may:

• Support adrenal balance
• Reduce stress-induced immune suppression
• Improve hormonal regulation (especially postnatally or during hormonal shifts)

Placenta also contains beneficial immune molecules like Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Interferon, which are key components of the immune system that help fight infection.

By potentially reducing stress-induced immune suppression, placenta pills could help maintain immune resilience during challenging times.

4. Peptides and Stem Cell Factors for Cellular Repair

Placenta tissue contains naturally occurring stem-cell-like compounds and regenerative peptides, which may assist in the repair and rejuvenation of damaged tissues — including immune cells [4]. While more research is needed, early studies on porcine placenta extract show promising effects on cell proliferation and wound healing.

This regenerative capacity is one of the reasons placenta has been used in topical skincare, but internal use may also benefit immune health through enhanced cellular repair and recovery. Natural energy is another benefit provided by the vitamins found in placenta.

Cellular Repair and Regeneration

Placental extract includes growth factors (such as EGF and TGF-β) and stem cell signaling molecules that:

• Support tissue healing after injury or illness
• Help maintain the integrity of mucosal barriers (your first line of immune defense)
• May stimulate immune cell regeneration

5. Promotes a Healthy Balance of Nutrients in the Brain to Support Postpartum and Immunocompromised Individuals

Historically, placenta consumption has been most associated with postpartum recovery — and for good reason. After childbirth, a person’s body is in a state of immune vulnerability. Placenta pills are traditionally used to restore nutrients, energy, and immune strength after delivery.

That same principle may apply to other periods of physical or immune stress, such as during illness recovery, after surgery, or in individuals with autoimmune conditions (under physician supervision). The combination of nutrients and growth factors makes it a natural option for whole-body support.

Why Choose a Safe, Tested Option Like Vitamin Placenta?

Not all placenta supplements are created equal. Vitamin Placenta is the first and only ISO 17025 certified placenta supplement, ensuring every batch is tested for:

• Bacteria
• Heavy metals
• Hormone levels
• Efficacy and purity

Made from porcine placenta in a GMP-certified U.S. facility, Vitamin Placenta is a safe, standardized, and shelf-stable option — without the variability or risk that comes with DIY or unregulated encapsulation.

Final Thoughts: Placenta Pills as a Holistic Immune Support Tool

Placenta pills offer a unique blend of nutrients, hormones, and regenerative compounds that may enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and support the body during times of stress or recovery. Whether you’re looking for a natural immune booster or a supplement to round out your holistic health routine, placenta pills may be worth considering — especially a thoroughly tested and certified product like Vitamin Placenta.

Placenta pills, such as Vitamin Placenta, may benefit immune health by:

• Delivering immune-supportive nutrients
• Reducing inflammation
• Enhancing stress resilience
• Promoting tissue repair
• Supporting balanced cytokine activity

References

1. Endo, K., et al. "Immunomodulatory effects of placental extract on lymphocyte subsets." Biotherapy, 2005.
   
   
2. Sugimoto, Y., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of placental extract in a murine model." Pharmaceutical Biology, 2010.
   
   
3. Kristal, M. B., et al. "Placental opioid-enhancing factor (POEF) enhances opioid-mediated analgesia: A possible explanation for the benefits of placentophagy." Physiology & Behavior, 2012.
   
   
4. Zhai, Y., et al. "The effect of porcine placental extract on immune cell regeneration and wound healing." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021.