The Difference Between Natural Chlorophyll and Supplements
When you hear about drinking chlorophyll, it's important to understand the distinction between the natural pigment found in green plants and the form used in supplements. Natural chlorophyll, which gives plants their vibrant green color, is fat-soluble and not easily absorbed by the human body. The supplements you buy are actually a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative called chlorophyllin, which is modified to contain copper and sodium instead of magnesium to enhance absorption. This chemical difference is crucial when evaluating the product's potential effects. While chlorophyllin has been used in human medicine for decades, the anecdotal claims of its efficacy often outpace the robust scientific evidence. Many of the studies conducted are small-scale, topical, or animal-based, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions for general oral use in humans.
Potential Benefits and the Current Scientific Evidence
Drinking chlorophyll has been touted for a wide array of health benefits, with some having more scientific backing than others. The following outlines the key claims and the supporting research:
- Antioxidant Properties: Like many phytonutrients, chlorophyllin has demonstrated antioxidant effects, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Studies on animals and in test tubes show it can mitigate oxidative stress.
- Internal Deodorizer: Chlorophyllin has a long history of being used to control body odor, with some older studies and a 2004 study on individuals with trimethylaminuria (a condition causing a fishy body odor) showing it can reduce foul-smelling compounds. However, evidence is mixed regarding its effectiveness for general bad breath.
- Skin Health and Healing: Some pilot studies suggest that topical application of a chlorophyllin gel can help improve acne and reduce the appearance of large pores and sun-damaged skin. Chlorophyllin may also possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in wound healing. The evidence for orally ingested chlorophyllin improving skin is less conclusive, though proponents suggest a detoxification effect.
- Liver Detoxification: Early animal studies indicate chlorophyllin may aid the liver's detoxification process. A 2001 human study also found that chlorophyllin reduced aflatoxin-DNA damage in people at high risk for liver cancer. This effect is often cited, though more recent research is needed.
- Weight Management: A limited 2014 study on overweight women found that those who took a green plant membrane supplement containing chlorophyll lost more weight than the placebo group. While the exact mechanism is unclear, it may increase feelings of satiety.
- Boosts Red Blood Cells: Due to its similar structure to hemoglobin, some speculate that chlorophyll can help build red blood cells. The study on thalassemia patients and wheatgrass is often referenced, but researchers could not definitively link the effects to chlorophyll itself, as wheatgrass is also rich in other nutrients.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
While chlorophyllin is generally considered non-toxic and safe in moderate doses, it is not without potential side effects. These are typically mild and go away with time or by reducing the dosage.
- Digestive Issues: Some individuals experience mild stomach cramps, nausea, loose stools, or diarrhea.
- Discoloration: The supplement can temporarily discolor urine, stool (often green or dark), and even the tongue (yellow or black).
- Increased Sun Sensitivity: Supplemental chlorophyllin has been reported to make some users more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
- Medication Interactions: It is crucial to consult a doctor before starting a chlorophyll supplement, especially if you are on medication. For example, it may interact with methotrexate, a drug used for some cancers and autoimmune diseases, and certain photosensitive drugs.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of chlorophyllin supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been sufficiently researched and is generally not recommended.
Comparison Table: Natural Chlorophyll vs. Chlorophyllin Supplements
| Feature | Natural Chlorophyll (from whole foods) | Chlorophyllin Supplements (liquid/capsules) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Found in all green plants (spinach, kale, parsley) | Semi-synthetic derivative made in a lab |
| Structure | Magnesium is at the center of the molecule | Magnesium replaced with copper and sodium for stability |
| Absorption | Poorly absorbed by the human body | Better absorbed due to chemical modification |
| Associated Nutrients | Comes with fiber, vitamins (A, C, K, E), and minerals | Isolated compound, lacks additional whole-food nutrients |
| Cost | Part of a regular, balanced diet, more affordable | Can be expensive depending on the brand and form |
| Evidence for Benefits | General health benefits linked to a diet rich in vegetables | Limited and often anecdotal or based on small-scale studies |
Conclusion
The point of drinking chlorophyll, or more accurately chlorophyllin supplements, is rooted in a blend of promising early research, anecdotal claims, and savvy marketing. While the potential benefits—like deodorizing, antioxidant activity, and skin improvement—are appealing, the scientific evidence to support widespread oral supplementation for these purposes remains limited. The body's natural detoxification systems are highly effective, and a balanced diet rich in whole, green vegetables provides the benefits of chlorophyll along with a crucial spectrum of other vitamins, minerals, and fiber that supplements lack. For most individuals, increasing intake of foods like spinach and kale is a more cost-effective and nutrient-dense approach than relying on supplements. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare provider before use is the safest course of action to ensure it's appropriate for your health needs and won't interact with any medications.
Can Chlorophyll Supplements Benefit Your Health?
(https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-there-health-benefits-to-using-liquid-chlorophyll)
