What are the health benefits of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, and are they safe?

Latest Update

Chlorophyll and Sun Sensitivity

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Written by Meredith A. Worthington, Ph.D.

Updated August 05, 2024 ⓘ

Woman adding drops of liquid chlorophyll to glass of water

Answer:

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants, as well as in some algae and certain bacteria, where it helps absorb light energy and convert it to energy. The most common way to get chlorophyll is through foods in the diet.

Although preliminary laboratory studies suggest that chlorophyll may have potential health benefits, such as cancer prevention, only a handful of low-quality studies have evaluated the health benefits of chlorophyll in humans. Be aware that chlorophyll is not commonly included in dietary supplements which, instead, contain a semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll called chlorophyllin that has greater stability and solubility in water (Zhong, Mol Nutr Food Res 2021). Chlorophyllin may be listed on supplement labels as "sodium copper chlorophyllin," "chlorophyllin copper complex," or "sodium magnesium chlorophyllin" (Martins, Molecules 2023).

Sign in as a member for details about the conditions for which chlorophyll or chlorophyllin have been studies, including cancer prevention and deodorant effects, as well as possible safety concerns, including sun sensitivity, and how to boost dietary intake of chlorophyll.

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In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:

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4 Comments

N.Marie

July 24, 2024

A side effect of this is increased sun sensitivity and skin sensitivity. I took it for months and then started to bruise and get scrapes so easily. I couldn’t wear bandaids or anything on my skin because it was would get irritated and turn into a rash. I got blood work done and my arm wouldn’t stop bleeding. I also developed tons of hyperpigmentation all over my face like within a two month time frame. It was wild. The whole time I was still taking this supplement, not realizing it was the cause. I finally stopped taking it and about a month later my body got back to normal. I read somewhere that everything I went through was a side effect. So watch out.