You’ve probably seen the TikToks. Deep green liquid swirling into a glass of ice water like some kind of swampy magic potion. It looks cool, sure. But does it actually do anything, or is it just another expensive way to turn your bathroom trips a different color? Honestly, the advantages of drinking chlorophyll are often buried under a mountain of influencer hype, yet the actual science is surprisingly nuanced.
Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes plants green. It’s what allows them to eat sunlight through photosynthesis. When you buy the bottled stuff, you’re usually getting chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic, water-soluble version of chlorophyll that the human body absorbs way better than the natural kind found in a raw leaf of kale.
It’s not a miracle cure. It won’t fix a bad diet. However, if you look at the data, there are some legitimate reasons to consider it.
The Internal Deodorant Myth (and Reality)
Back in the 1940s and 50s, doctors started noticing something weird. Patients who were given chlorophyll supplements often smelled... less. Specifically, it seemed to neutralize odors from wounds or digestive issues. This led to a massive marketing boom where companies put chlorophyll in everything from toothpaste to shoe inserts.
Does it work? Kinda.
For people dealing with trimethylaminuria (a condition that causes a fishy body odor) or those with colostomies, studies published in Life Sciences have shown that chlorophyllin can significantly reduce the concentration of odorous compounds. It’s basically acting as a molecular sponge. It binds to certain molecules in the gut before they can be released into the bloodstream and eventually through your pores or breath. If you’re just a regular person who wants to skip deodorant, it probably won't do much. But for metabolic odors? There’s a real track record there.
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Protecting Your DNA from the "Bad Stuff"
One of the most fascinating advantages of drinking chlorophyll isn't about how you look or smell, but what’s happening at a cellular level. We are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, specifically things like aflatoxins (found in some moldy grains) and heterocyclic amines (the charred bits on your grilled steak).
Research led by Dr. Thomas Kensler at Johns Hopkins University looked at populations in China with high exposure to aflatoxins. They found that taking chlorophyllin dramatically reduced DNA damage caused by these toxins.
Essentially, the chlorophyll molecule has a structure that allows it to physically "trap" these carcinogens in the digestive tract. It forms a complex with them, making the molecules too big to be absorbed by your intestines. They just pass right through you. It’s a literal physical barrier between your cells and potential triggers for long-term illness.
Skin Health and the Acne Connection
If you’re drinking it for your skin, you might be on to something, though the evidence is slightly stronger for topical use. That said, the anti-inflammatory properties are real.
Think about it this way.
Inflammation is the root of most skin evil.
Redness? Inflammation.
Cystic acne? Inflammation.
A small pilot study involving people with acne and large pores showed visible improvement after using chlorophyllin-based products for three weeks. When you drink it, you're getting a systemic dose of antioxidants. These antioxidants—specifically vitamins A, C, and E—help fight oxidative stress. While it won't replace your retinol, many users report a "glow" that likely comes from improved hydration and a slight reduction in systemic inflammation. Just don't expect it to erase a breakout overnight.
Blood Building and Energy
There is a long-standing theory that because chlorophyll is structurally almost identical to hemoglobin—the protein in your red blood cells—it can help "build" your blood. The only major difference is the center atom. In hemoglobin, it’s iron. In chlorophyll, it’s magnesium.
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Some preliminary research suggests that chlorophyll might help improve the quality of red blood cells in people with certain types of anemia. If your blood is better at carrying oxygen, your energy levels naturally go up. You feel less like a zombie at 3 PM.
However, don't ditch your iron supplements if you're actually deficient. Chlorophyll is a helper, not a replacement. It’s the backup singer, not the lead vocalist.
What to Watch Out For (The "Swamp" Side Effects)
It isn't all sunshine and photosynthesis.
First, let's talk about your stomach. Some people get cramps. Others get "the runs." It’s a concentrated plant extract, and your gut might take a second to realize what’s happening. Also, it will turn your stool green. Don't panic and call the ER; it’s just the pigment.
More importantly, it can make you more sensitive to the sun. Since chlorophyll is designed to absorb light, it can make your skin more prone to burning if you're taking high doses and spending all day at the beach. Wear SPF.
How to Actually Use It
If you want to try it, don't just buy the first bottle with a pretty label. Look for "Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin." That’s the stable, absorbable form.
- Start small. Half a teaspoon in a big glass of water.
- Mix it well. It tastes "earthy"—which is a polite way of saying it tastes like you’re licking a lawnmower blade.
- Drink it through a straw if you’re worried about your teeth, though it generally doesn't stain like coffee does.
- Watch for changes over 14 days. If you don't feel or see a difference by then, your body might already be getting enough of these nutrients from your diet.
The Realist’s Perspective
The advantages of drinking chlorophyll are best viewed as a supplement to a lifestyle that already includes some greens. You can get a massive dose of natural chlorophyll by eating a bowl of spinach or parsley. In fact, a cup of spinach has about 24mg of the stuff. Most supplements give you 100mg per dose.
It’s a tool for optimization. It's great for those days when you haven't touched a vegetable and your diet has consisted mainly of beige foods. It’s an insurance policy against environmental toxins and a way to nudge your internal detoxification systems in the right direction.
Next Steps for Implementation
To get the most out of chlorophyll without wasting money, check your current multivitamin first; many already include small amounts of "greens blends." If you decide to go the liquid route, buy a brand that uses third-party testing (like NSF or USP) to ensure there are no heavy metals, as plants can sometimes pull lead from the soil they grow in. Start with one dose in the morning on an empty stomach to see how your digestion handles it before making it a permanent part of your routine.
Stop use immediately if you notice any unusual skin rashes or persistent GI distress, and always mention the supplement to your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, as the Vitamin K content in some plant extracts can interfere with medication.