The growing popularity of liquid chlorophyll as a wellness trend has led many people to consider adding this green pigment to their daily routine. This supplement is promoted for a variety of general health benefits. However, for a person who is breastfeeding, the question of safety for both the mother and the infant is the primary concern when considering any supplement. Since a nursing mother’s diet can potentially affect her breast milk, it is important to understand the available evidence regarding chlorophyll consumption during this period.
Understanding Chlorophyll Supplements
The supplement marketed as “liquid chlorophyll” is not the same molecule found in green vegetables. Natural chlorophyll is not water-soluble and is poorly absorbed by the human body. The substance found in most liquid and capsule supplements is actually a semi-synthetic compound called chlorophyllin, typically sold as sodium copper chlorophyllin.
This chemical modification process replaces the central magnesium ion of natural chlorophyll with copper, which makes the compound stable and easily dissolved in water. People often take chlorophyllin supplements for its supposed internal deodorizing effects, to support skin health, and for its antioxidant properties, though most purported benefits lack strong scientific evidence from human trials.
Lack of Data: Expert Recommendations for Breastfeeding
The most significant factor in assessing the safety of chlorophyllin while breastfeeding is the complete absence of specific scientific data. There have been no controlled human clinical trials conducted to evaluate whether chlorophyllin transfers into breast milk or to determine its potential effects on a nursing infant. This lack of research means medical professionals cannot confidently deem the supplement safe for use during lactation.
Healthcare providers and major health organizations generally advise caution regarding supplements that lack established safety data during this sensitive period. The default recommendation is often to avoid substances that have not been studied in the context of human lactation to prevent any unknown risk to the infant. The infant’s digestive and detoxification systems are immature, making them potentially more vulnerable to substances transmitted through breast milk.
The medical community bases its guidance on the principle that the benefits must outweigh any potential risks. Since chlorophyllin is not medically necessary for the mother’s health, and no human studies exist to confirm its transfer rate or infant effects, experts suggest avoiding its use.
Supplement Quality and Potential Side Effects
Another consideration when evaluating chlorophyll supplements is the lack of stringent regulatory oversight. Dietary supplements, including chlorophyllin products, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the same strictness applied to prescription medications. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products before they are marketed, but they are not required to prove efficacy or guarantee purity and potency to the same degree as pharmaceutical companies.
This regulatory environment means that the actual content of a chlorophyll supplement can vary significantly between brands. Supplements may potentially contain unlisted ingredients, contaminants, or inconsistent dosages.
The mother may also experience known side effects from chlorophyllin consumption. These effects commonly include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea. The strong pigment in chlorophyllin can also temporarily change the color of the mother’s urine and feces to a greenish or black hue, which is harmless but can be startling. Furthermore, chlorophyllin can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, a condition known as photosensitivity. This heightened sensitivity means the mother may have an increased risk of sunburn or skin reactions when exposed to UV light.