Social media has been buzzing with chlorophyll drops. Many influencers have been encouraging people to add these green drops to their water and other drinks to boost their health. But as many people know, influencers aren’t the best source of health information, so you might be left with a lot of questions, including “Do chlorophyll drops really work?!” 

What is Chlorophyll? 

Chlorophyll is a pigment that is found in plant. It is responsible for giving plants their green colour, and is required for photosynthesis. But all the hype surrounding chlorophyll drops isn’t about its role in photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll is also an antioxidant, which plays an important role in supporting both our immune system and health. 

What are Chlorophyll Drops?

Now you may believe that chlorophyll drops are just concentrated chlorophyll that has been extracted from the plant, but that’s not always the case. Some chlorophyll drops also contain chlorophyllin, which is a more water-soluble form of chlorophyll and is claimed to be more absorbable by the body. Chlorophyll “drops” are also available as dissolvable tablets. 

If social media influencers are saying is true, then what can’t they do?

Chlorophyll drops are claimed to contain blood-building, deodorant, wound-healing and anti-ageing properties, as well as help prevent acne, treat cancer and boost weight loss. However, as amazing as these benefits sound, research supports very few of these claims.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants, meaning that it is quite abundant in our diet. Chlorophyll is found in all green fruits and vegetables, such as,

• • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Kale

Unlike chlorophyll drops, these foods also contain other nutrients that are important for supporting our health including, fibre, vitamins and minerals. You can check out my Micronutrient Monday series for more information about vitamins and minerals and their role in keeping us healthy. 

Chlorophyll drops cost approximately $27 per 100 mL. On the other hand, green fruits and vegetables can vary in price. However, green fruits and vegetables are available in different forms (from fresh to frozen), and they can be a part of any meal. 

Aside from making our water look green, chlorophyll drops do not provide any more benefits than the chlorophyll found in our diet. Chlorophyll drops also lack the additional nutrients that can be found in green fruits and vegetables. 

No supplement can replace a healthy diet. It does not matter how many supplements we take if we are continuing to eat a poor diet that lacks the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. Adding a few drops of chlorophyll to your water will not make up for the lack of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet is essential to providing our bodies with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and function at their best. 

In the end, chlorophyll drops are just a more expensive source of a pigment that is already available in our diet, and are filled with unsupported promises. There is nothing wrong with enjoying chlorophyll water (even if it’s just because it looks cool), but just be aware that these drops are not a replacement for fruits and veggies, and do not do many of the things they are claimed to do. Finally, you can include green fruits and vegetables into your diet to ensure you are consuming chlorophyll, as well as help you meet other nutrient requirements and support your physical and mental health. 

References

Alexander H. 6 things to know about chlorophyll [Internet]. MD Anderson Cancer Center. [cited 2021 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-chlorophyll-6-things-to-know.h00-159460056.html

Are There Health Benefits to Using Liquid Chlorophyll? [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021 [cited 2021 Nov 4]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-there-health-benefits-to-using-liquid-chlorophyll/

Proven benefits of chlorophyll and how to consume more [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2021 Nov 4]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322361

Society NG. Chlorophyll [Internet]. National Geographic Society. 2019 [cited 2021 Nov 4]. Available from: http://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/chlorophyll/