Chlorophyll water is a new trend that erupted on the social media app TikTok, a few weeks ago. We are going to explain what chlorophyll is and uncover the supposed benefits and potential risks of this new trend. 

Lets’s start by explaining… WHAT IS CHLOROPHYLL?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that gives some plants their green color. It’s utilized by plants that transform sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. 

Although it’s not an essential nutrient for humans, it has several vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit the human body. 

You can absorb chlorophyll from either plants or supplements (however, supplements are more effective).  

BENEFITS

On TikTok, people are claiming that adding fifteen drops of liquid chlorophyll to a glass of water will reduce body odor, clear skin, enhance energy levels, and boost weight loss. 

A recent study did in fact prove that people who consumed chlorophyll had reduced body odor. 

Very few researches have been conducted to study chlorophyll and the treatment of acne. Zain Syed, the president of the Maryland Dermatologic Society, stated that “The studies showed a very mild effect on acne. Nothing to the effect of what is being portrayed in these -TikTok- videos”.

Regarding weight loss, research into this topic is very limited. A 2014 study proved that women who consumed supplements that included chlorophyll had a higher weight loss than women who didn’t. However, due to the limited research on this topic, no conclusions can be drawn. 

Chlorophyll also acts as a detoxifying nutrient. Many studies have been conducted that proved that consuming chlorophyll decreases liver and stomach tumors as well as reduces tumor sizes. 

RISKS

Some of the side effects of chlorophyll are digestive issues, diarrhea, and burning when applied topically.  

CONCLUSION

Although the TikTok videos circulating make it seem like liquid chlorophyll is magic in a bottle, research is very limited. No factual conclusions can be drawn about the benefits of this nutrient. Whether the benefits TikTokers are raving about are accurate, or whether it is all just a placebo effect... that is a decision for you to make.