The latest health fad has fans seeing green.<\/p>\n
A liquid supplement is going viral, with wellness influencers claiming it can do everything from clear up skin and curb cravings to combat body odor and even crush cancer.<\/p>\n
But while the internet is busy guzzling it by the dropper, many experts aren\u2019t convinced it\u2019s the cure-all it\u2019s hyped up to be. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the so-called \u201cgreen magic<\/a>\u201d flooding social media feeds.<\/p>\n Chlorophyll supplements are often sold in liquid or capsule form. Masson \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n What is chlorophyll?<\/p>\n It\u2019s the natural pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll plays a vital role in photosynthesis, helping plants convert sunlight into energy while releasing oxygen into the air.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find it in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley. But the version sold in supplement form \u2014 usually labeled chlorophyllin<\/a> \u2014 is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble compound made from sodium copper salts derived from natural chlorophyll.<\/p>\n Can it really clear up your skin?<\/p>\n Some of the most popular videos promoting chlorophyll feature people claiming it transformed their skin in a matter of days.<\/p>\n While some research suggests that chlorophyll could help with acne and wrinkles<\/a>, the evidence hasn\u2019t won over experts.<\/p>\n Some studies suggest chlorophyll may reduce inflammation and help heal wounds, but more research is needed. New Africa \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n \u201cThe studies showed a very mild effect,\u201d Dr. Zain Syed<\/a>, a dermatologist, told The Washington Post<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cNothing to the effect of what is being portrayed in these videos.\u201d<\/p>\n Plus, all of the studies tested chlorophyll in topical form \u2014 not the liquid people are drinking. They also involved very small groups of participants and weren\u2019t tested against a placebo.<\/p>\n \u201cEven this small amount of evidence is very weak,\u201d Syed said.<\/p>\n Other skeptical experts<\/a> theorize that the clearer skin might come from something simpler: people are drinking more water than usual because they have to mix chlorophyll supplements into it<\/a>.<\/p>\n Can chlorophyll support weight loss?<\/p>\n Some TikTokers tout chlorophyll as \u201cnatural Ozempic<\/a>,\u201d claiming it can help people shed weight fast. There is some science to back this up, but it\u2019s limited at best. <\/p>\n The evidence supporting chlorophyll\u2019s ability to aid in weight loss is limited and inconclusive. sofiko14 \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n In one study<\/a>, mice given chlorophyll early in life gained less weight than those that didn\u2019t. In another<\/a>, overweight women who took a green plant extract containing chlorophyll lost more weight and reported fewer cravings over 90 days compared to those given a placebo.<\/p>\n Can it actually prevent cancer?<\/p>\n Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties<\/a>, which can help neutralize free radicals \u2014 or unstable molecules that can damage cells and can potentially lead to cancer.<\/p>\n Some studies suggest<\/a> it might also bind to carcinogens and other toxins in the digestive tract, blocking their absorption.<\/p>\n Research in animals<\/a> has shown that it can potentially help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells at typical exposure levels. But at very high doses, some studies indicate it may actually increase tumor risk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Videos touting the benefits of chlorophyllin have racked up millions of views. Tiktok\/@boysandwellness<\/p>\n Most of these studies focus on chlorophyllin \u2014 the lab-made version found in supplements \u2014 not the natural chlorophyll found in plants. Still, scientists are also looking at whether a chlorophyll-rich diet could offer some protection.<\/p>\n What are the other potential health benefits of chlorophyll?<\/p>\n Skin health, weight loss, and cancer prevention are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to claims about chlorophyll\u2019s powers.<\/p>\n Supporters say the pigment may also help:<\/p>\n But the research backing these claims is extremely limited.<\/p>\n \u201cSupplement makers claim that chlorophyll can do many things, but few of the claims are backed by scientific evidence,\u201d\u00a0Dr. Vijaya Surampudi<\/a>, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, told National Geographic<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Are there any risks associated with chlorophyll?<\/p>\n For most people, chlorophyll supplements appear to be safe in moderation. <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no real risk of taking it, although some people report side effects like diarrhea or nausea,\u201d dietitian Lindsey Wohlford told MD Anderson Cancer Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n Most of the side effects of chlorophyll are mild, like stomach discomfort. methaphum \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Other reported effects include green stool, stomach cramps, a yellow or black tongue or mild skin irritation from topical use. In rare cases, people can have allergic reactions \u2014 symptoms include rash, chest tightness and dizziness.<\/p>\n Should you take chlorophyll?<\/p>\n