What to know about chlorophyll water

Medical News Today

3 days ago

Chlorophyll water is a mixture of water and a water-soluble form of chlorophyll called chlorophyllin. Some research suggests that chlorophyllin may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help maintain gut health.Chlorophyll is the green pigment that plants use to make food during photosynthesis. This article outlines the potential health benefits and risks of chlorophyll water. It also provides information on how to take chlorophyll water and other chlorophyll supplements.Benefits of chlorophyll water Chlorophyll water has become a popular topic of conversation on social media, with proponents claiming it has a range of health benefits. However, there is very little research into the benefits of chlorophyll water. Scientists have investigated the potential health benefits of its key ingredient, chlorophyllin, but most research into chlorophyllin involves animal studies. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine whether the findings of these studies are replicable in humans.»Learn more:How do mouse studies relate to human health?Anti-inflammatory effectsA 2022 study found that oral administration of chlorophyllin reduced intestinal inflammation in mice with medically induced colitis, which is the medical term for inflammation of the large intestine or 'colon'. The authors concluded that chlorophyllin supplements may help to reduce colitis in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). An earlier 2019 study on mice investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyllin, called 'sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC)'. In this study, the scientists first established that SCC helped to protect the mice from stomach ulcers. They then determined that the SCC treatment did so by inhibiting the body's secretion of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).Antioxidant and anti-tumor effectsA 2021 animal study investigated the antioxidant and anti-tumor effects of chlorophyllin in rats with chemically induced breast cancer. In this study, chlorophyllin appeared to reduce the activity of an enzyme called glutathione S-transferase (GST). This enzyme is often overexpressed in cancer cells and can cause them to become resistant to cancer treatment.Balancing gut bacteriaThe term 'gut microbiota' refers to the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a vital role in digestion and immunity, among other aspects of health.A 2018 animal study found that oral administration of chlorophyllin in water helped to rebalance the gut microbiota in mice with chemically-induced liver damage. This, in turn, reduced inflammation of the intestines and liver, leading to an overall reduction in liver damage.A 2021 mouse study investigated the effects of chlorophyllin on gut microbiota and liver damage in mice fed with a high fat diet to promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oral administration of chlorophyllin in drinking water alleviated intestinal inflammation and helped to maintain the intestinal barrier (IB). The IB is a semi-permeable barrier that promotes nutrient absorption while preventing harmful pathogens and toxins from leaking into the bloodstream.The study authors concluded that chlorophyllin supplementation may help to maintain the gut microbiome and IB, and relieve inflammation associated with NAFLD. Risks of chlorophyll waterAccording to MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), most people can safely ingest chlorophyll, since the substance is present in many of the fruits and vegetables that make up a healthy diet. However, some people report side effects like diarrhea and nausea when taking chlorophyll supplements.How to take chlorophyll waterIf someone wants to add chlorophyll to their diet, they can take chlorophyll supplements or try making a chlorophyll-rich beverage at home.Chlorophyll supplementsPeople can look for chlorophyll supplements containing the water-soluble form of chlorophyll, called 'chlorophyllin'. As MDACC explains, chlorophyllin contains the minerals copper and sodium, which help the body to absorb chlorophyll.Chlorophyllin is available in both tablet and liquid form. However, the liquid form has a better absorption rate, meaning it is likely to be more effective overall.Homemade chlorophyll waterAs a 2023 review explains, green fruits, vegetables, and algae contain high levels of chlorophyll. A person can blend these ingredients with water for a chlorophyll-rich beverage. Some examples of chlorophyll-rich fruits and vegetables include:spirulinaalfalfawheatgrasskiwifruitspinachcollard greensgreen grapesbroccoliasparagusgreen cabbageparsleymatcha green teaSummaryChlorophyll is the green pigment that is naturally present in green plants, including green fruits, vegetables, and algae. Chlorophyll water contains a water-soluble form of chlorophyll, called 'chlorophyllin'.Research on rodents suggests that chlorophyllin may have certain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. Some studies show that chlorophyllin supplementation may also help to balance the gut microbiota, which in turn helps to protect against certain other health issues, such as liver damage. However, further research is necessary to determine whether these effects are replicable in humans.A person should ask a doctor or pharmacist for further information on chlorophyll supplements. Alternatively, a person can blend green fruits and vegetables with water for a homemade chlorophyll-rich beverage.