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Chlorophyll
•Last Updated: October 31, 2023
Chlorophyll is the most abundant pigment on Earth, and is responsible for creating the green color in plants and algae. Despite years of use as a dietary supplement, there is very little human clinical research exploring the potential benefits of chlorophyll. In vitro and animal research suggest that chlorophyll and its derivatives may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Chlorophyll is most often used for
Last Updated:October 31, 2023
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants and algae that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and is considered a phytonutrient. Although it is abundant in certain foods and has potential health benefits, its effects in humans are not well understood, and most supplements contain a more stable derivative called sodium copper chlorophyllin.
Chlorophyll and its derivatives may offer several benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiobesity, and antidiabetic properties, as suggested by animal studies. However, these effects have not been confirmed in human clinical trials, and although chlorophyll can bind to carcinogenic compounds and reduce their absorption, the long-term effect on cancer risk remains uncertain.
Chlorophyll is generally safe and well tolerated, but it may cause green-colored stool, increased photosensitivity, and dermatitis in some cases. Proper safety analyses have not been conducted to fully assess its drawbacks.
Chlorophyll may function as an antioxidant by stabilizing reactive species and activating the Nrf2 transcription factor, which boosts the production of the body's antioxidant enzymes. Although it has potential cancer-preventative effects and can reduce oxidative stress in animals, its mechanisms in humans remain largely unexplored, and its beneficial effects are likely due to its various derivatives rather than the unaltered compound.
Note that Chlorophyll is also known as:
- Chlorophyll a
- Chlorophyll b
- Sodium copper chlorophyllin (a semisynthetic derivative)
Chlorophyll should not be confused with:
- Chlorella (a genus of algae)
Chlorophyll is most often taken in a liquid or capsule form at dosages ranging from 100 to 300 mg daily.[1][2][3] However, more studies in humans are needed to determine what the effective dose of chlorophyll (or the particular chlorophyll derivative) is. Most dietary supplements contain the chlorophyll derivative sodium copper chlorophyllin, rather than natural chlorophyll, due to its increased stability.
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