Chlorophyll extract
Also known as: Chlorophyll, Chlorophyll extract, Chlorophyllin
Overview
Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments essential for photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Supplements are typically derived from green leafy vegetables like spinach and alfalfa. It is primarily used as an antioxidant, deodorizing agent, and for general health promotion, including potential benefits in weight management and cholesterol reduction. Chemically, chlorophyll molecules are porphyrin derivatives with a central magnesium ion. While native chlorophyll has limited bioavailability, its metal-free derivatives, such as pheophytin and pheophorbide, are absorbed after digestion. Research indicates moderate evidence for its benefits, with several clinical trials and systematic reviews, though large-scale human studies are still needed to fully characterize its clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
Benefits
Chlorophyll and its derivatives exhibit significant antioxidant and potential chemopreventive effects, including protection against DNA damage and reduction of oxidative stress markers. Some research suggests appetite suppression and weight loss, particularly with thylakoid supplementation (chlorophyll-containing membranes), which has also been linked to reductions in total and LDL cholesterol in certain trials. It also possesses deodorizing effects, notably in reducing body and fecal odors, supported by clinical trials, albeit with limited sample sizes. Overweight individuals may particularly benefit from its potential in weight management and lipid profile improvement. While some effects like appetite suppression can be observed within weeks, chemopreventive benefits would require longer-term supplementation. The strength of evidence is moderate, with small to medium-sized RCTs showing modest but statistically significant changes.
How it works
Chlorophyll's primary mechanism involves its antioxidant activity, where it scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative DNA damage. It also interacts with body systems by modulating lipid metabolism and potentially regulating appetite. This appetite regulation may occur through thylakoid-induced modulation of satiety hormones, such as cholecystokinin. Native chlorophyll is poorly absorbed; however, during digestion, it is converted into metal-free derivatives like pheophytin and pheophorbide, which are then absorbed. Human studies confirm the presence of these derivatives in the blood after ingestion, indicating systemic interaction, though their full pharmacokinetic profile is not yet completely understood.
Side effects
Chlorophyll extract is generally considered safe with a low toxicity profile. The most common side effects, occurring in some individuals, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5% of users) may involve possible photosensitivity reactions, though these are rare. Serious adverse events have not been reported in clinical trials. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when used concurrently with other photosensitizing medications. No established contraindications exist, but individuals with allergies to the plant sources of chlorophyll should exercise caution. Data on pregnant or lactating women are limited, so use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
Clinical trials have utilized chlorophyll derivatives at doses ranging from 100 mg to 300 mg per day. An optimal dosage of approximately 300 mg/day of chlorophyllin or other chlorophyll derivatives has demonstrated absorption and biological effects in human studies. There is no established maximum safe dose, with doses up to 300 mg/day generally well tolerated. It is often recommended to take chlorophyll supplements with meals to enhance absorption. Chlorophyllin, a water-soluble derivative, may offer better bioavailability compared to native chlorophyll. The food matrix and digestive processes significantly influence absorption, as metal-free derivatives are more readily absorbed. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is chlorophyll extract safe for daily use?
Yes, chlorophyll extract is generally considered safe for daily use, with minimal side effects reported in most individuals. It has a low toxicity profile.
Does chlorophyll extract help with weight loss?
Some evidence suggests that chlorophyll-containing supplements, particularly those with thylakoids, may contribute to appetite suppression and modest weight loss.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Appetite-related effects may become noticeable within a few weeks of consistent supplementation. Antioxidant and potential chemopreventive benefits typically require longer-term use.
Is chlorophyll extract absorbed by the body?
Yes, but primarily as metal-free derivatives (like pheophytin and pheophorbide) that are formed during the digestive process, rather than native chlorophyll itself.
Can chlorophyll extract cause photosensitivity?
While rare, there have been isolated reports of photosensitivity reactions. Individuals should exercise caution, especially if also taking other photosensitizing medications.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24670123/ – This systematic review by Ulbricht et al. (2014) analyzed clinical trials and expert opinions on chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, concluding that these derivatives possess antioxidant, deodorizing, and potential chemopreventive effects with a good safety profile. However, it noted that clinical evidence is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity, grading the evidence quality as moderate and recommending further high-quality randomized controlled trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/ – Martins et al. (2023) conducted a narrative review with in vivo data, confirming human absorption of chlorophyll derivatives and reporting their effects on weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and appetite suppression. The review highlighted the ongoing need for more comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies and larger-scale human randomized controlled trials to solidify these findings.
- https://environmentalevidencejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13750-021-00238-8 – This systematic review by Bennett et al. (2021) focused on environmental chlorophyll a response to nutrients, underscoring the biological relevance and measurement challenges of chlorophyll. While less directly applicable to human supplementation, it indirectly supports the importance of robust chlorophyll quantification methods in biological contexts.
