Foods and supplements that contain chlorophyll may improve health in several ways. Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties and might have benefits for anemia, inflammation, and weight loss. Research into the potential benefits of chlorophyll supplements is limited and ongoing.
Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring pigment that gives plants their dark green color. It’s also necessary for photosynthesis, or the process in which plants use sunlight to get nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. You take in chlorophyll when you eat leafy green plants and herbs. There are also chlorophyll supplements, which contain a compound derived from chlorophyll called chlorophyllin. Liquid chlorophyll is a popular supplement.
Chlorophyll functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or delay cell damage. They can fight against oxidative stress, which may trigger cell damage that causes aging and disease. Having a diet rich in antioxidants can fight against the effects of cell damage. It may also lower your risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Chlorophyll contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as phytol, that reduce inflammation in the body. Taking chlorophyll supplements may reduce swelling and pain in people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout your body. In some cases, chlorophyll may be able to mimic the actions of hemoglobin.
Chlorophyll may help manage conditions characterized by a lack of hemoglobin, such as iron deficiency anemia. People with iron deficiency anemia do not have enough iron to create oxygen-rich red blood cells. Symptoms include weakness, headaches, and irregular heartbeat. More research is needed to determine if chlorophyll supplements are a suitable complementary treatment for anemia.
Sodium copper chlorophyllin—a mixture made with chlorophyll compounds—has been used to promote wound healing when applied to your skin. Some evidence suggests that topical sodium copper chlorophyllin could have several other benefits for the skin:
- Decreases pore size
- Improves overall skin texture
- Prevents the loss of hyaluronic acid, a compound that moisturizes your skin
- Reduces facial redness
- Treats acne
One study of 50 people found that foods rich in phytonutrients like chlorophyll may treat obesity. Phytonutrients are compounds in plants that promote health. People with higher intakes of phytonutrients had lower overall body fat than others. The researchers noted that the chlorophyll intakes of people with “healthy” and “obese” body compositions had the most significant difference.
Eating foods full of nutrients like chlorophyll can help manage your weight. Green fruits and vegetables containing chlorophyll are a source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins essential for weight control and overall health. Being overweight or having obesity are significant risk factors for certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Chlorophyll has been shown to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. You may even find natural deodorants that contain chlorophyll. More research is needed to know how effective chlorophyll is at neutralizing odor.
Some evidence suggests that chlorophyll may protect against or treat some types of cancer. Chlorophyll has a similar structure to other pigments with antioxidant effects that stop cancer cells from spreading. One study looked at the effects of chlorophyll on the spread of pancreatic cancer. Chlorophyll was shown to reduce the size of pancreatic tumors.
It’s important to note that the researchers only looked at the effects of chlorophyll on human pancreatic cancer in mice. Most studies have been done with animals or in vitro (in test tubes). More human research is needed to know if chlorophyll can help prevent or treat cancer.
Chlorophyll is found naturally in green plants and herbs, such as:
- Alfalfa
- Basil
- Collard greens
- Nettle
- Parsley
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Wheatgrass
You can incorporate more green plants and herbs into your diet to reap the benefits of chlorophyll. You can take chlorophyll as a dietary supplement in liquid or tablet form. These supplements typically contain chlorophyllin, a partly synthetic chlorophyll form made with sodium copper salts.
Some people also apply chlorophyll topically to heal wounds or improve their skin. Look for a lotion, ointment, or other skin product that contains chlorophyll. Follow the product’s instructions and any guidance from a healthcare provider.
Dosage
There’s not a standard dose for chlorophyll supplements. When taking the supplement, follow the recommended dose on the product packaging or that a healthcare provider recommends. Stop taking the supplement right away if you notice any adverse reactions.
When taken orally in smaller amounts or in the amount you get through food, chlorophyll is generally safe. No significant adverse effects have been reported. That being said, it’s unclear how safe it is to take chlorophyll in larger amounts or to use it directly on the skin. There’s also not enough research available to know if chlorophyll supplements are safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Potential Drug Interactions
Before using chlorophyll supplements, talk to a healthcare provider about any other medications you’re taking. Chlorophyll promotes light absorption, so it may lead to photosensitivity (light sensitivity) if you take it with medications that cause light sensitivity. Photosensitivity could increase your risk of sunburn and other complications.
Medications that can cause photosensitivity—especially in combination with chlorophyll—include:
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Antihistamines
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Diuretics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Chlorophyll may also interact negatively with blood thinners like Coumadin and Jantoven (warfarin). Warfarin may be less effective when you use it alongside chlorophyll products that contain vitamin K.
Can You Take Too Much?
Taking large amounts of chlorophyll could lead to chlorophyll poisoning that requires emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of chlorophyll poisoning may include abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
Chlorophyll does not cause side effects for most people. Possible side effects of chlorophyll may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Green urine or stool
- Loose stool (poop)
- Skin irritation, such as mild burning or itchiness, when you use it topically
- Yellow or black tongue
Chlorophyll, which is the pigment that makes plants green, may have certain benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties that promote skin healing. You can use chlorophyll supplements or increase your intake of green plants and herbs to reap these benefits.
Chlorophyll is generally safe, but there might be some harmful effects if you take it in large amounts. More research on chlorophyll is needed before stronger conclusions can be made about its effectiveness and safety.