Chlorophyll Supplements - Are They Worth The Hype?

 We all know that ‘eating our greens’ is good for us, but are green supplements worth the hype too? Chlorophyll provides the green pigment which is found in plants and algae and is vital for photosynthesis, a process which helps plants to obtain energy from light.

Recently chlorophyll has been extracted and condensed into a liquid form and dry capsules, but are they really worth the additional cost?

What are the supposed benefits of taking chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll supplements are now available and wild health claims have been made around these supplements from ‘stimulating the immune system’, ‘detoxify the blood’, ‘cleaning the intestine’ and even ‘energising the body’. However, there is little evidence to support any of the claimed health benefits around taking chlorophyll supplements and much more research needs to be conducted.

Is adding chlorophyll to water a viable way to take the supplement? Does it get into the bloodstream quicker?

Liquid chlorophyll can be an easier way to apply the solution topically, and the solution has been used historically as a treatment for wounds. However, there is no clear research to suggest that liquid chlorophyll is more bioavailable in comparison to a capsule form.

Are there any trusted liquid chlorophyll brands?

Young pHorever Chlorophyll Liquid Concentrate

What is the ideal chlorophyll daily dose ?

Studies have used dosages from 100-300mg up to three times per day (capsules), however there needs to be larger well designed clinical trials before a specific dose can be recommended.

Chlorophyll risks: what are they?

Chlorophyll is likely to be safe for most people, however these supplements can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun, especially for those taking medications which increase sensitivity to sunlight. If on medication or currently suffer from a health condition, then it is best to seek guidance from your health care provider before taking chlorophyll. If pregnant or breast-feeding then there is not enough reliable information on the safety of taking liquid chlorophyll and it is best to avoid.

Where else can you find chlorophyll? What are other rich sources? 

Any green vegetables will provide a source of chlorophyll, included vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, sprouts, chard and celery. Lightly steaming or eating raw veggies is the best way to preserve the chlorophyll content.

In summary, should we be taking liquid chlorophyll or is it best avoided?

There is a lack of high-quality evidence around the health benefits chlorophyll supplements, and that money may be better spent on nourishing foods and a healthy balanced diet.

By leading London Nutritionist Lily Soutter BSc (Hons) Food & Human Nutrition, Dip NT