- Chlorophyll is the name of a green dye that is essential for a process called photosynthesis in plants, cyanobacteria and some algae.
- Some studies suggest that consuming chlorophyll can help with skin healing or weight loss, among other things.
- Its water‑soluble form, chlorophyllin, containing copper and sodium, is used in dietary supplements.
Chlorophyll and photosynthesis are taught in elementary school, but did you know that chlorophyll is also used as a natural green dye and in human health promotion? This article will focus on the possible supplementation of chlorophyll, its potential benefits and its risks.
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green colour. Chlorophyll also obtains the plant's nutrients along with sunlight. One of the easiest ways to include chlorophyll in your diet is to eat green vegetables (alfalfa, spinach...). Another food particularly rich in chlorophyll is wheatgrass, which can be purchased online or in specialty stores.
Where can chlorophyll or chlorophyllin be found?
As we mentioned above, naturally occurring chlorophyll can be found in green vegetables, such as wheatgrass, green beans, spinach, parsley, arugula, peas or leeks.
According to Oregon State University, one cup of raw spinach contains about 24mg of chlorophyll. Parsley has about 19mg per cup. Most green vegetables, however, range from an average of 4 to 15mg.
TIP: Watch out for vegetables that are green on the outside but not on the inside (like broccoli or asparagus), as a whitish interior indicates less chlorophyll.
Another popular method of consuming chlorophyll is through dietary supplements, available in the form of drops, pills or capsules. As mentioned above, most supplements actually contain chlorophyllin, which is a water‑soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll that is potentially better absorbed by the body.
Again, according to Oregon State University, the recommended dose of chlorophyllin supplements is between 100 and 300mg per day in three divided doses. However, most of these supplements vary in concentration and composition. The most basic consumption options are:
- chlorella
- spirulina
- green barley
- liquid chlorophyll
Always consult your doctor or other health care professional before including chlorophyll as a dietary supplement (or increasing your consumption of vegetables that contain it). In extreme cases, unintended side effects could occur, especially if you are already taking other medications regularly or have existing health problems.
Organic Chlorella
3 potential benefits of consuming chlorophyll
- Skin healing: Chlorophyllin has shown possible effects on reducing inflammation and bacterial growth in skin wounds. It may also be effective for other skin conditions, as evidenced by the results of two pilot studies. A 2015 source on 10 people with acne‑prone skin exhibited improvement when chlorophyll gel was applied for three weeks.
- Slowing aging: Chlorophyll can act as an anti‑aging agent. Studies report that applying a chlorophyllin‑containing gel to the skin reduced signs of photoaging (due to sun exposure)—skin treated with chlorophyllin improved similarly to skin treated with tretinoin, a prescription skin cream.
- Reduced risk of cancer: One animal study found a 29 % to 63% reduction in liver and a 24% to 45% reduction in stomach tumours, depending on the dose of chlorophyll. In addition, researchers suggest that daily use of oral chlorophyll significantly reduced tumour size in mice transplanted with human pancreatic cancer cells. However, while the results of animal studies are promising, studies with human responders have only recently been conducted, and more and larger studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
What research are we lacking?
- Weight control: A popular claim associated with chlorophyll is weight reduction. However, research on this topic is currently very limited: a 2014 study involving 38 female participants found that those who took a green plant membrane supplement that included chlorophyll experienced greater weight loss than a group that did not take the supplement.
- Positive effect on blood elements: A 2004 pilot study suggested that wheatgrass, which contains about 70% chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia. However, it is important to note that the authors of the study did not conclude that chlorophyll was the only reason for the reduced need for transfusions—the benefits may come from wheatgrass itself rather than from chlorophyll.
Although chlorophyll has many potential health benefits, few adequate scientific studies support them, and all require further investigation. Other potential health benefits that require further research include increased energy, hormonal balance, and relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Organic Spirulina
Possible risks of consuming chlorophyll?
Natural chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are among the generally safe substances. However, there are some possible side effects to watch out for, including:
- Digestive problems
- Diarrhoea
- Green, yellow or black stools, which can be mistaken for gastrointestinal bleeding
- Itching or burning on local application
- (Scientists have not yet studied the effects of chlorophyll use in pregnant or breastfeeding women)
Bottom line
Chlorophyll can be found in plants and vegetables or taken as a supplement. In addition to higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, research supports certain health benefits for the human body, such as reduced acne and overall improved skin quality. However, there is relatively limited data on many others, and further studies are needed to characterise them.
