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chlorophyll

Chlorophyll (Chlorophyllin) is a dietary supplement.

Chlorophyllin

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 23, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass
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Key facts

Active ingredient
Chlorophyllin
Type
Supplement

What is Chlorophyll?

From the FDA label:A green plant pigment, taken (often as liquid drops) for detox and skin support; evidence is limited.

What the evidence says

Limited evidence

What Chlorophyll is

Chlorophyll is the natural pigment that makes plants green. Most products sold as "liquid chlorophyll" or chlorophyll tablets actually contain chlorophyllin, a water-soluble, semi-synthetic derivative made from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll occurs naturally in green plants and plant foods, and chlorophyll or chlorophyllin is also added to some cosmetics and dietary supplements.

Commonly used for

Taken as a general wellness or 'green' supplementUsed by some people in an attempt to reduce body or fecal odorMarketed (without proof) for 'detox,' skin, and energy supportUsed historically as a food coloring and as a topical deodorizer

What the evidence shows

No NIH Office of Dietary Supplements or NCCIH fact sheet exists for chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, and rigorous, high-quality human evidence for the popular wellness claims (detox, skin, weight, energy, body-odor) is limited and inconclusive. The uses listed above reflect how people use these products, not proven effects. Based on current authoritative US-government information, you should not expect chlorophyll or chlorophyllin to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Typical dosage

No US-government recommended dose or established dietary requirement exists for chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, and the amount in commercial liquids and tablets varies widely from product to product. Because the evidence is limited and supplements are not tightly regulated, it is reasonable to talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified clinician before starting it — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take medications.

Safety

The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia article on chlorophyll poisoning describes chlorophyll as relatively nonpoisonous, noting that most people who swallow it have no symptoms and that recovery is very likely. As with any supplement, use it only as directed, keep it out of reach of children, and stop and seek medical advice if you have an unusual or allergic reaction. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and those with health conditions should check with a clinician first.

Side effects

Per the MedlinePlus chlorophyll poisoning article, possible effects after swallowing chlorophyll include diarrhea, looser or more frequent stools, and stomach cramps. It may also cause harmless discoloration — the tongue can look yellow or black, and urine or stool may appear green. When chlorophyll contacts the skin, it may cause mild burning or itching. These effects are generally mild.

Interactions & cautions

No specific drug interactions are described in the cited US-government source, but that absence does not mean interactions are impossible. Separately, some forms of chlorophyll (chlorophyllin) may increase sensitivity to sunlight, so caution is reasonable if you take other medications that already cause photosensitivity. Because supplements can interact with medications, review all of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements with a pharmacist or doctor before use.

Sources

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Summarized from public health authorities; general reference, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

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Information is sourced from public FDA regulatory data. Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

What people report to the FDA about Chlorophyllin

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 61 reports naming Chlorophyllin — the active ingredient in Chlorophyll, and the FDA flagged 67% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:

  • fatigue5 reports
  • nausea5 reports
  • pruritus5 reports
  • anxiety4 reports
  • cough4 reports
  • depression4 reports
  • dyspnoea4 reports
  • vomiting4 reports

Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean Chlorophyllin caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.

Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.

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