Health Benefits of Liquid Chlorophyll

In its natural form, chlorophyll is a chemical that gives green plants their color. In addition to leafy green plants, you'll also find chlorophyll in some supplements.

Chlorophyll is sold as a tablet, capsule, or liquid with a dropper for dispensing the green solution. You may see fans of the liquid chlorophyll supplement swirl it into water.

Some evidence suggests that liquid chlorophyll may help with weight loss, prevent some cancers, and treat certain skin concerns. Although, as of 2023, researchers have not fully studied those possible benefits. More research is needed to figure out the efficacy and safety of liquid chlorophyll.

Benefits of Liquid Chlorophyll

The research surrounding liquid chlorophyll is limited and outdated. Only a few studies have been done, and most look at chlorophyll's effects on animals. Still, some researchers have studied the benefits of chlorophyll on humans.

Some evidence suggests that the benefits of liquid chlorophyll include:

• Helps with weight loss
• May prevent some cancers
• Might treat certain skin concerns

However, there needs to be more research to back those claims.

Helps With Weight Loss

Some evidence suggests that chlorophyll supplements may promote weight loss. In one study, researchers compared weight loss between people who consumed a green-plant extract containing 3,000 milligrams of chlorophyll and those who did not. 

After 90 days, the researchers found that people who consumed the supplement lost more weight than the control group. The researchers also found that the green-plant extract reduced hunger, especially for sugary foods. However, the researchers did not note any significant contrasts in blood sugar levels among the groups. 

You can reduce the risk of and treat obesity and type 2 diabetes by managing healthy body weight and blood sugar levels.

May Prevent Some Cancers

Research has found that green plants have antioxidants that may protect against some cancers. One study noted that chlorophyll may positively affect the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in pancreatic cancer cells. 

The researchers concluded that chlorophyll supplements, as well as natural sources like green vegetables, may reduce pancreatic cancer risk. 

However, as of 2023, most researchers have only studied the effects of chlorophyll on cancer risk in animals. More human subjects research is needed to fully understand the link between chlorophyll and cancer risk. 

Might Treat Some Skin Concerns

Some fans of liquid chlorophyll suggest that the supplement may treat acne, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, as of 2023, research on the effects of liquid chlorophyll on skin concerns is limited. Instead, most research has focused on chlorophyll as an ingredient in topical remedies. 

For example, some evidence suggests that a topical cream containing chlorophyllin coupled with light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for acne. In one study, the participants' acne improved in four weeks using the treatment.

Another study found that chlorophyll helps prevent DNA damage. The researchers noted that previous research had found that chlorophyll produces coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is an antioxidant that might get rid of wrinkles and improve skin firmness.

How To Use Liquid Chlorophyll

Typically, you add drops of liquid chlorophyll to water, smoothies, or juices. The supplement may also be available in a powder form that you can mix into drinks. The number of drops or amount of powder that you add to one drink may vary by brand. In addition to liquid chlorophyll, the supplement also comes in tablet and capsule forms. 

Dosage

A lack of research on any supplement means there is very limited knowledge about the precise amount to use. Still, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans says adults should eat two to three cups of vegetables daily. Raw spinach has one of the highest chlorophyll contents, with nearly 24 milligrams in one cup. So, if you eat raw spinach to fulfill your daily vegetable intake, you'd get about 48–72 milligrams of chlorophyll. 

Is Liquid Chlorophyll Safe?

Generally, liquid chlorophyll is safe to take. However, researchers have not yet tested the safety of liquid chlorophyll in pregnant or breastfeeding people. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider before taking liquid chlorophyll.

Potential Drug Interactions

Liquid chlorophyll may interact with some medications. There currently isn't a list of drug interactions, so consult a healthcare provider before taking liquid chlorophyll. They can help figure out whether liquid chlorophyll is safe for you. 

What To Look For

The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate liquid chlorophyll. When purchasing a chlorophyll supplement, check to see that it are third-party tested.

In addition, natural chlorophyll is unstable, so most over-the-counter (OTC) chlorophyll supplements contain chlorophyllin. Chlorophyllin is a semisynthetic derivative of chlorophyll. Ensure that any chlorophyll supplements have chlorophyllin on their ingredient lists.

Can You Have Too Much Liquid Chlorophyll?

Generally, nutrients are beneficial in one form or amount. However, any nutrient may become harmful if you take them in high concentrations. For example, zinc helps support immune function. In contrast, too much zinc can trigger digestive upset, suppress immune function, and reduce blood levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Also, antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may have protective benefits. In contrast, if you take them in supplement forms, antioxidants can act as pro-oxidants. Pro-oxidants potentially increase health risks by causing cell damage.

Follow the same rule of thumb with liquid chlorophyll. Adhere to any dosage instructions on the packaging, and consult a healthcare provider if you're worried you've used too much.

Side Effects of Liquid Chlorophyll

There are no general adverse effects of chlorophyllin. Some known possible mild effects may include:

• Sensitivity to sunlight, which increases sunburn risk
• Loose stools
• Green-colored urine or feces

A Quick Review

Chlorophyll is a chemical that gives leafy green vegetables their color. It's also available as a supplement, particularly in liquid forms.

Possible benefits of liquid chlorophyll include helping with weight loss, preventing some cancers, and treating certain skin concerns. However, more research is needed to understand liquid chlorophyll's efficacy and safety.