The latest health fad has fans seeing green.
A liquid supplement is going viral, with wellness influencers claiming it can do everything from clear up skin and curb cravings to combat body odor and even crush cancer.
But while the internet is busy guzzling it by the dropper, many experts aren’t convinced it’s the cure-all it’s hyped up to be. Here’s everything you need to know about the so-called “green magic” flooding social media feeds.
What is chlorophyll?
It’s the natural pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll plays a vital role in photosynthesis, helping plants convert sunlight into energy while releasing oxygen into the air.
You’ll find it in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley. But the version sold in supplement form — usually labeled chlorophyllin — is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble compound made from sodium copper salts derived from natural chlorophyll.
Can it really clear up your skin?
Some of the most popular videos promoting chlorophyll feature people claiming it transformed their skin in a matter of days.
While some research suggests that chlorophyll could help with acne and wrinkles, the evidence hasn’t won over experts.
“The studies showed a very mild effect,” Dr. Zain Syed, a dermatologist, told The Washington Post. “Nothing to the effect of what is being portrayed in these videos.”
Plus, all of the studies tested chlorophyll in topical form — not the liquid people are drinking. They also involved very small groups of participants and weren’t tested against a placebo.
“Even this small amount of evidence is very weak,” Syed said.
Other skeptical experts theorize that the clearer skin might come from something simpler: people are drinking more water than usual because they have to mix chlorophyll supplements into it.
Can chlorophyll support weight loss?
Some TikTokers tout chlorophyll as “natural Ozempic,” claiming it can help people shed weight fast. There is some science to back this up, but it’s limited at best.
In one study, mice given chlorophyll early in life gained less weight than those that didn’t. In another, overweight women who took a green plant extract containing chlorophyll lost more weight and reported fewer cravings over 90 days compared to those given a placebo.
Can it actually prevent cancer?
Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals — or unstable molecules that can damage cells and can potentially lead to cancer.
Some studies suggest it might also bind to carcinogens and other toxins in the digestive tract, blocking their absorption.
Research in animals has shown that it can potentially help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells at typical exposure levels. But at very high doses, some studies indicate it may actually increase tumor risk.
Most of these studies focus on chlorophyllin — the lab-made version found in supplements — not the natural chlorophyll found in plants. Still, scientists are also looking at whether a chlorophyll-rich diet could offer some protection.
What are the other potential health benefits of chlorophyll?
Skin health, weight loss, and cancer prevention are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to claims about chlorophyll’s powers.
Supporters say the pigment may also help:
But the research backing these claims is extremely limited.
“Supplement makers claim that chlorophyll can do many things, but few of the claims are backed by scientific evidence,” Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, told National Geographic.
Are there any risks associated with chlorophyll?
For most people, chlorophyll supplements appear to be safe in moderation.
“There’s no real risk of taking it, although some people report side effects like diarrhea or nausea,” dietitian Lindsey Wohlford told MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Other reported effects include green stool, stomach cramps, a yellow or black tongue or mild skin irritation from topical use. In rare cases, people can have allergic reactions — symptoms include rash, chest tightness and dizziness.
Should you take chlorophyll?
“Would I recommend chlorophyll? No,” Beth Czerwony, a dietitian, told the Cleveland Clinic. “Plants need chlorophyll far more than we do. It’s really not necessary for humans.”
While some benefits like chlorophyll’s antioxidant properties are backed by research, Czerwony warns against treating it like a miracle cure.
“If something truly worked, it’s safe to say it wouldn’t be a secret just exposed to the world through TikTok,” she said. “There’s reason for skepticism.”
That said, there are clear benefits to eating a diet rich in leafy greens and other plants that contain chlorophyll. If you want to boost your intake, Czerwony suggests skipping the supplement and heading straight to the produce aisle.
Foods rich in chlorophyll include spinach, kale, collard greens, parsley, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus. Algae like spirulina and chlorella pack an even bigger punch.
