Chlorophyll supplements: ingredients, benefits, risks, and side effects

Chlorophyll supplements were popular some time ago thanks to their fantastic health claims. Actually, what is the content of the supplement that is identical to the thick green liquid? Are the benefits really as advertised? What about the side effects? Let's dig together.

Uncover the contents of chlorophyll supplements

Despite using the name "chlorophyll", the content in this supplement is not actually the chlorophyll you know from school biology classes - it is chlorophyllin.

If chlorophyll is a natural molecule in plants to help the photosynthesis process, chlorophyllin is a chemical mixture of sodium, copper, and magnesium made from chlorophyll. However, chlorophyllin is not much different from chlorophyll in its function.

The benefits of chlorophyll according to expert research

Until now, studies and research on the health benefits of chlorophyll supplements are still very limited. But here are some claims for the benefits of chlorophyll supplements circulating in the community:

1. Lose weight

One of the most popular claims related to the benefits of liquid chlorophyll is that it supports weight loss. One study found that people who took this supplement experienced more drastic weight loss than the group who did not take the supplement. Researchers, reported by Science Direct, also found that these supplements can lower bad LDL cholesterol within 3 weeks.

2. Reducing body odor

This supplement has also been shown to reduce body odor, especially in people with the disorder trimethylaminuria - a condition of the body's inability to digest and oxidize trimethylamine. A study conducted in Japan in 2004 by Yamazaki and his team found that people who took 1.5 g doses of chlorophyllin in 10 days and 180 mg in 3 weeks reduced the amount of trimethylamine concentrations and reduced body odor.

3. Treating wounds

Chlorophyllin has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria on the injured skin. Based on research by Telgenhoff et al published in Wound Repair Regen, treatment of burns, surgical scars, and diabetic wounds using papain urea-chlorophyllin ointment can speed up the healing process.

Miller also conducted a case series research on 39 patients with pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers or bedsore are pressure sores caused by too much pressure on certain parts of the body and are common in patients in the hospital who experience bed rest. Those who used the papain-urea-chlorophyllin ointment were completely cured within 3 months.

4. Blood detox

Chlorophyllin can improve the quality of red blood cells. In research published in 2005 in Indian Pediatrics, wheatgrass or wheat grass which contains about 70% chlorophyll reduces the need for blood transfusions in people with thalassemia, a disorder that causes the body to not produce enough hemoglobin properly. Therefore, people with thalassemia need continuous blood transfusions.

5. Prevent cancer

Chlorophyll supplements are reported to prevent cancer growth. A study published in 2013 in Food Chem Toxicol NHS Public Access shows that consumption of chlorophyllin extract can improve protection against cancer. Chlorophyll can also fight free radicals that can cause genetic mutations in the body. However, these findings are still limited to laboratory animal testing.

There was a study in humans regarding the anticancer benefits of this supplement in 2009, published in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal. The study found that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin were able to inhibit the entry of aflatoxins, a substance that can cause cancer growth. However, this study is a small research involving only 4 volunteers.

In the big picture, further studies and tests are still needed around the benefits of this liquid supplement for overall body health.

Chlorophyll supplements should not be taken carelessly

Seeing the potential for its tantalizing benefits, it's no wonder that many people are lulled by this healthy drink and drink it regularly. Although basically chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are not toxic substances, careless use of large amounts does not rule out the possibility of causing side effects. For example:

Digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation
Green, yellow or black stools
Skin itching or burning if exposed to sunlight (Chlorophyll can make skin more prone to sunburn. Wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors)

Apart from the side effects above, allergic reactions can also occur. This reaction occurs if you find that you have an allergy to chlorophyll or other components in the supplement. Symptoms that can arise include itching, the appearance of a rash, swelling of the face, hands and neck, sore throat, difficulty breathing and an itching sensation in the mouth. If this allergic reaction occurs, stop taking chlorophyll supplements. You can consult your doctor further to be safer before taking this supplement.