Chlorophyll: The Natural Plant Pigment
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It is essential for photosynthesis. This molecule includes a central magnesium (Mg) atom in a porphyrin ring and a phytol chain. The phytol chain makes natural chlorophyll fat-soluble.
There are various types of natural chlorophyll. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are most common in green plants. Each absorbs different light wavelengths, with chlorophyll a absorbing blue-violet and red light and chlorophyll b absorbing red and blue-green light. Because it is sensitive to light, heat, and acidity, natural chlorophyll is unstable when extracted.
- Dietary Sources: Natural chlorophyll can be consumed by eating green vegetables, including:
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Kale
- Wheatgrass
- Broccoli
Chlorophyllin: The Semi-Synthetic Derivative
Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll. The conversion involves saponification, a chemical process. The magnesium ion is replaced with a more stable metal, often copper, and the fat-soluble phytol tail is removed. The resulting compound is a sodium-copper salt, often labeled as sodium copper chlorophyllin.
This modification increases the molecule's stability and water solubility, making it ideal for commercial use, especially in supplements and food coloring. In supplement form, chlorophyllin is often sold as "liquid chlorophyll" due to its solubility. Its stability also means it is less prone to degradation from heat, light, and acid than natural chlorophyll.
- Commercial Uses: Chlorophyllin's stability and color make it useful in:
- Dietary supplements
- Natural food coloring (E140/E141)
- Cosmetics, including deodorants and skincare
- Pharmaceuticals, sometimes used to reduce odors
Bioavailability and Potential Health Benefits
Bioavailability is a key difference. The body does not absorb natural chlorophyll efficiently from food. The semi-synthetic nature of chlorophyllin makes it easier for the body to absorb in supplement form. Research into the health benefits of both compounds is ongoing, with most human studies focusing on chlorophyllin due to its stability and absorption. Potential benefits, primarily associated with chlorophyllin, include:
- Antioxidant Properties: Both have antioxidant effects, but studies suggest chlorophyllin may have a stronger effect.
- Chemoprevention: Chlorophyllin can bind to certain carcinogens, such as aflatoxins, which may block their absorption in the gut. More human studies are needed.
- Internal Deodorant: Chlorophyllin has been used for decades to help reduce body, fecal, and urinary odors.
Comparison Table: Chlorophyll vs. Chlorophyllin
| Feature | Chlorophyll | Chlorophyllin |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Naturally in plants, algae, and bacteria. | Semi-synthetic derivative. |
| Chemical Structure | Magnesium atom and a hydrophobic phytol tail. | Copper replaces magnesium; phytol tail removed. |
| Solubility | Oil-soluble (fat-soluble). | Water-soluble. |
| Stability | Unstable; degrades easily. | Highly stable. |
| Absorption | Poorly absorbed by the human body. | Better absorbed in supplement form. |
| Form | Consumed in whole foods. | Supplements and food additives. |
What This Means for Consumers
Understanding the difference between these compounds is important, especially for those considering supplements. Consuming chlorophyll through green vegetables provides nutrients and fiber, but the amount of chlorophyll absorbed is small. For those seeking the purported benefits of chlorophyll supplementation, a chlorophyllin product is the more bioavailable and stable option.
Natural chlorophyll is not toxic, nor is chlorophyllin at typical doses. Choose based on your goals: whole food nutrition with natural chlorophyll and vitamins or targeted supplementation with chlorophyllin. When shopping for supplements, read labels carefully, as many products marketed as "liquid chlorophyll" are chlorophyllin.
Conclusion
The key difference is that chlorophyll is a natural, fat-soluble plant pigment and chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative with a stable structure. This structural change makes chlorophyllin more bioavailable and stable, making it ideal for supplements, cosmetics, and food coloring. For general health, a diet rich in green vegetables provides natural chlorophyll and nutrients. For supplemental benefits, chlorophyllin is more effective due to its absorption. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before starting a new regimen. For further scientific information, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University provides resources on phytochemicals.
