How long does it take for chlorophyll to work in the body?

November 21, 2025 •

5 min read

While anecdotal reports suggest some individuals notice small differences from liquid chlorophyllin within days, older research from the 1950s noted that effects for bad breath could be observed within a couple of hours. The question of how long does it take for chlorophyll to work in the body has a varied answer, depending heavily on the specific health benefit being targeted.

Quick Summary

The timeline for chlorophyll's effects varies by purpose, from hours for temporary breath deodorizing to weeks for potential skin improvements or systemic odor control. Effects from supplements (chlorophyllin) may appear more quickly due to higher absorption rates than natural chlorophyll, though more research is needed to substantiate many health claims.

Key Points

Variable Timeline: Effects from chlorophyll can appear in hours for breath-related issues or take several weeks to months for skin or systemic benefits.
Supplement vs. Food: Chlorophyllin, the supplement form, is more water-soluble and better absorbed than the natural chlorophyll found in green vegetables.
Skin Health: Expect to wait 3 to 8 weeks of consistent topical application or oral intake to see potential improvements in acne or sun-damaged skin.
Body Odor: Some users report improvements in breath and general body odor within hours or days, but older studies noted effects for geriatric patients after two weeks.
Long-term Effects: Broader benefits like liver detoxification support, shown to reduce aflatoxin biomarkers, may require several months of consistent supplementation.
Consistency is Key: For any noticeable and lasting results, especially for skin or weight management, consistent daily intake over a period of weeks or months is crucial.
Dietary Context: While supplements can boost intake, eating green vegetables provides a wider range of complementary nutrients and fiber that supports overall health.

Factors Influencing How Quickly Chlorophyll Works

There is no single answer to how fast chlorophyll works. Its effectiveness and the speed at which it produces results are highly dependent on several key factors, including the form consumed, the desired health outcome, and individual physiological differences.

Form of Chlorophyll: Natural vs. Supplement

One of the most significant factors is whether you are consuming natural chlorophyll or the semi-synthetic supplement version, chlorophyllin.

Natural Chlorophyll: Found in leafy green vegetables, natural chlorophyll is not well-absorbed by the body. It undergoes significant breakdown during digestion, primarily into magnesium-free derivatives like pheophytins, and its systemic bioavailability is considered low.
Chlorophyllin: The form used in most liquid and tablet supplements is chlorophyllin, which is created to be more stable and water-soluble. This enhanced bioavailability means that more of the compound can be absorbed by the body, potentially leading to faster and more noticeable effects, although scientific backing for many claims remains limited.

Desired Health Outcome

Different benefits have different timelines. An effect like reducing bad breath is much quicker than improving skin health, which requires consistent application or intake over a longer period.

Short-term results: Think hours to a few days. These are typically localized effects, such as fighting bad breath, which early studies noted could occur rapidly.
Medium-term results: Expect weeks to a couple of months. Benefits like improved skin condition (reducing acne or signs of sun damage) require time for cellular changes to occur.
Long-term results: This may take several months or more. Systemic effects, like improved overall detoxification pathways or modulation of the gut microbiome, are gradual and build with consistent use.

Individual Metabolism and Absorption

Just as with any supplement, individual body chemistry plays a role. Factors like your current diet, hydration levels, and metabolic rate can all influence how quickly your body processes and reacts to chlorophyllin. Starting with a lower dose and observing your body’s response is always recommended.

Timeline of Potential Chlorophyll Benefits

Hours to a Few Days

Body Odor and Bad Breath: One of the most long-standing claims is that chlorophyll can act as an internal deodorizer. Manufacturers claimed effects within a couple of hours for mouth odors in the 1950s. This is a potential short-term benefit for many users.
Energy Boost: Some users report a slight boost in energy soon after starting a liquid chlorophyll supplement. This may be due to the placebo effect or increased hydration, but some feel a difference within the first day.
Improved Digestion: Anecdotal evidence suggests chlorophyll may help with constipation in just a few days, though research on this is limited.

Weeks (2–8 weeks)

Skin Health: Topical application of chlorophyllin gel has shown promising results in small pilot studies. A 2015 study noted improvements in facial acne and large pores after three weeks, while another found improvement in sun-damaged skin after eight weeks. This indicates consistent use over several weeks is necessary for cosmetic benefits.
Systemic Odor Control: For those using chlorophyll for overall body or fecal odor, older hospital studies on geriatric patients found reduced odor control became apparent after two weeks of daily supplementation.

Months (12–16 weeks)

Detoxification Support: More extensive internal benefits, like liver detoxification support, take longer to manifest. A 16-week randomized trial in China showed that daily chlorophyllin intake significantly reduced biomarkers of aflatoxin-induced DNA damage, suggesting a longer-term effect on detox pathways.
Weight Management: Some studies, like a 2014 report in the journal Appetite, found that consuming chlorophyll-rich supplements over 12 weeks contributed to greater weight loss.

Natural vs. Supplement Chlorophyll: A Comparison


Feature	Natural Chlorophyll (from foods)	Chlorophyllin (Supplements)
Absorption	Poorly absorbed; broken down during digestion into derivatives.	Higher absorption rate due to water-soluble, modified structure.
Stability	Unstable; degrades easily with cooking or poor storage.	More stable and longer shelf life due to added minerals (copper, sodium).
Nutrient Profile	Provides a broader range of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.	Typically contains isolated chlorophyllin and copper, without the benefits of whole foods.
Dosage	Inconsistent and variable depending on food type and preparation.	Consistent and measured dosage (e.g., 100–300 mg/day).
Side Effects	Not typically harmful; large amounts may cause loose stools.	May cause mild digestive issues or skin sensitivity in some users.

Maximizing the Effects of Chlorophyll

To give yourself the best chance of experiencing the desired benefits, consider the following best practices:

Be Consistent: The key to seeing results, especially for benefits like skin health or detoxification, is consistent daily intake. Missing days will delay or prevent noticeable changes.
Start with a Low Dose: Particularly for supplements, begin with a small dose (e.g., 1 teaspoon of liquid) and gradually increase. This helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of digestive side effects.
Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for your body’s natural detoxification and overall health. As chlorophyll can support these processes, staying well-hydrated complements its effects.
Pair with a Healthy Diet: Do not rely on chlorophyll as a cure-all. A balanced diet rich in other fruits, vegetables, and whole foods provides essential nutrients and fiber that supplements lack.
Consider Timing: Some sources suggest taking liquid chlorophyll on an empty stomach in the morning for optimal absorption and to kickstart your metabolism, though more research is needed.
Eat Your Greens: For the full spectrum of benefits, include chlorophyll-rich foods like spinach, parsley, and chlorella in your diet, which offer complementary nutrients and fiber.

Conclusion

How long it takes for chlorophyll to work in the body is not a simple question with a single answer. Timelines vary widely, ranging from hours for breath-related issues to several weeks or even months for more significant cosmetic and systemic benefits. The form you consume, your desired outcome, and your body's individual response are all critical factors. While chlorophyllin supplements offer higher bioavailability and potential for quicker effects, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet rich in green vegetables. For best results, manage your expectations, stay consistent with your intake, and prioritize overall healthy lifestyle habits. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have chronic conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. For further information on bioavailability, the Linus Pauling Institute provides an excellent resource on chlorophyll and its derivatives: Chlorophyll and Metallo-Chlorophyll Derivatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline for liquid chlorophyll (chlorophyllin) varies. Some individuals report effects like reduced bad breath within hours or an energy boost within a day or two. For more significant benefits such as clearer skin, consistent use for 3 to 8 weeks is typically required based on small studies.

Chlorophyllin, the semi-synthetic form in supplements, is more water-soluble and stable than natural chlorophyll from plants. This modified structure makes it easier for the body to absorb, potentially leading to faster and more concentrated effects compared to the poorly absorbed natural form.

Small pilot studies on topical chlorophyllin gel have shown improvements in acne and pores after about 3 to 8 weeks of consistent use. For systemic effects, a minimum of several weeks of oral supplementation may be necessary, though effects can vary.

To potentially maximize absorption, some sources suggest taking liquid chlorophyll on an empty stomach in the morning. However, consistency and proper dosage are generally more important for experiencing benefits over time.

Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe but can cause mild side effects, including digestive issues like diarrhea or nausea, especially at higher doses. It may also cause your urine or stool to appear green. Always start with a low dose to assess your body's tolerance.

To maximize benefits, take chlorophyllin consistently, stay well-hydrated, and pair it with a balanced diet rich in green vegetables. Starting with a low dose and increasing gradually can also help your body adjust and observe effects.

It is generally better to prioritize getting chlorophyll from whole foods like spinach and parsley, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that supplements lack. However, supplements like chlorophyllin may offer higher, more consistent doses and are better absorbed for specific health goals.