What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants. Plants use chlorophyll and light to make food via a process called photo-genesis. The importance of chlorophyll may be expressed as the foundation to all life on Earth, given its critical role in sustaining the plants that supply the planet’s food chain.

What are the therapeutic benefits of chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll drops have gained a huge amount of exposure on social media in recent times.

Common examples of chlorophyll used supplementally include alfalfa, chlorella and algae. Be aware that, unless stated that the chlorophyll extract comes from food ingredients, the green liquid supplement you could be purchasing may be a semi-synthetic mixture of sodium copper salts that is derived from chlorophyll.

Suggested benefits include

Healing wounds

Skin care, anti-ageing, and acne treatment

Weight loss

Relieving constipation and gas

Boosting energy

Skin care, anti-aging and acne

Recent research has verified certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidant properties have shown to improve facial wrinkles and skin elasticity [i].

There is evidence in support of use for acne, when applied topically and used alongside LED light therapy (light-emitting diode phototherapy). A study found there were significant reductions in acne lesion counts, acne severity grades, and sebum (oil) production levels compared with the control group treated with LED therapy alone [ii]. A chlorophyll-derived gel preparation on the skin improved acne and large pores in one pilot study [iii].

Research also supports use for skin infections ranging from bacterial to viral strains [iv]. Older research from the 1950s suggests benefits for wound healing [v].

Potential deodorant properties

Anecdotal reports and older studies suggest Chlorophyll acts as an internal deodorant, for reduction of halitosis (bad breath), food odours (such as garlic) and odours in sweat [viii]. However there has been little newer research to support these findings.

Weight loss

A 2014 study involving 38 female participants found that those who took a chlorophyll- containing supplement once daily had greater weight loss than a group that did not take the supplement. The appetite for palatable food, contains sugar and fat, was decreased [ix].

Red blood cell production

It is reported that chlorophyll may have actions on building healthy red blood cells. A 2004 pilot study suggested that wheatgrass, which contains about 70% chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia, a type of anaemia [x]. However the benefits of which may also be attributed to the wheatgrass and not simply the chlorophyll in isolation.

Gastrointestinal effects

In a test group of 62 elderly patients, the administration of chlorophyllin tablets was found to be helpful in easing chronic constipation, served at times as a useful and morale-building placebo and assisted in ridding gas [xi].

Energy

The claims concerning increased energy production may also have scientific grounds. Results from a study suggest chlorophyll modulates energy production in the cells of humans. Mitochondria are the cell’s machinery for making energy via the production of a molecule called ATP. Through the action of chlorophyll on coenzyme Q10, ATP production is improved. As such, the writer of the study proposes that through consumption of plant chlorophyll pigments, animals are able to derive energy [xii].

Ways to include more chlorophyll in your diet

Food rich in chlorophyll includes produce such as spinach, kale, green beans and peas, which can easily be incorporated into daily recipes. These vegetables also include fibre, vitamins and other nutrients to support health. Therefore, it is always good to take chlorophyll as part of a balanced diet.

Potential side effects of Chlorophyll?

Mild stomach or gastrointestinal issues may occur. It is recommended to take chlorophyll in moderation, as suggested on the product packaging or by instructions from a registered practitioner.