Chlorophyll (liquid chlorophyll)
Chlorophyllin (sodium copper chlorophyllin)
Supplements. Modern nutrition.
Also called Chlorophyllin, Liquid chlorophyll
Pinyin: yè lǜ sù
Spanish: Clorofila
The green pigment of plants, sold as liquid drops or capsules for detox, breath and odor claims.
Did you know? Chlorophyll looks green because it reflects green light and absorbs most red and blue light.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. A few small studies have looked at chlorophyll for reducing bad odors from stool or urine. The results are weak.Traditional proof
- Cleansing & detox. The claim that chlorophyll detoxes the body is not supported by human trials.Not supported
Parts of the body
Traditional use
People have eaten leafy greens for centuries. Liquid chlorophyll supplements are a modern product.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Alterative. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Doses vary widely, so follow the label on the product you buy. No standard dose has been set by research.
Capsule and juice.
Where to get it
Chlorophyll is in all green plants, so spinach, kale and parsley are the natural sources. Supplements are usually liquid chlorophyllin made from alfalfa or other leaves, sold as drops and capsules.
Be careful
Chlorophyllin is generally well tolerated and may turn stool or urine green. Some products add sweeteners, alcohol or other ingredients, so check labels if you avoid these. Serious problems are not expected at normal supplement doses, but long-term safety is not well studied.
Avoid if: pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Spirulina and chlorella are green algae often sold in the same green powder blends.
- Works well together
Chlorella is a green algae often sold alongside chlorophyll in green powder blends.
The honest take
Chlorophyll is in every green vegetable you eat, and that is the best source. Claims about detox, breath and body odor are not proven. Liquid supplements are fine for most people, but they do not do the detox job that marketing suggests.