Chlorella is a popular dietary supplement promoted for its nutritional benefits and its reputation as an internal deodorant. Many people consume this green algae believing it can help manage and reduce body odor, bad breath, and other internal smells. This claim has led many to incorporate chlorella into their daily routine to address scent-related concerns. This article examines the supplement’s makeup and the scientific basis for its reported deodorizing effects.
What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae that grows in fresh water environments. It is recognized as a nutrient-dense food source, boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Dried chlorella powder contains approximately 50% to 60% protein by weight.
Chlorella is also a source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, B vitamins like B12, and the fat-soluble vitamins A and K. Crucially, chlorella contains the highest concentration of chlorophyll found in any plant. This high density of beneficial compounds supports its use as a general wellness supplement.
The Proposed Mechanism: Chlorophyll and Internal Cleansing
The theory behind chlorella’s ability to reduce body odor centers on its abundant chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a vibrant green pigment that proponents suggest acts as an internal cleanser. This compound is believed to bind to and neutralize odor-causing compounds within the digestive tract.
By binding to compounds produced by bacterial activity or sulfur-rich foods, chlorophyll theoretically prevents them from being absorbed and excreted through sweat or breath. This hypothesized process is rooted in the traditional use of chlorophyll derivatives to manage foul odors in clinical settings. The mechanism is believed to address the source of certain odors internally.
Reviewing the Scientific Support
Despite the strong traditional and anecdotal support for chlorella as an internal deodorant, scientific evidence remains limited and largely historical. The few studies exploring the deodorizing effects of chlorella or its derivative, chlorophyllin, are often decades old, dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. These early observations were primarily conducted in small populations, such as elderly patients with clinical conditions that caused persistent malodor.
Modern, rigorous clinical trials specifically examining chlorella’s effect on general body odor or bad breath in healthy individuals are sparse. Studies using chlorophyllin to reduce the odor associated with urine and stool in clinical settings did not show a statistically significant improvement when subjected to modern controls. Consequently, the current understanding is that while the mechanism is plausible due to chlorophyll’s binding potential, there is little high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence to confirm chlorella’s effectiveness for reducing everyday body or breath odor.
Safe Consumption and Side Effects
Chlorella is available commercially in various forms, primarily as tablets, capsules, or fine powder. It is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in typical supplement doses for short periods, often up to two to three months. Standard daily doses usually fall in the range of 3 to 15 grams.
The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Users may also notice a harmless green discoloration of the stool due to the high pigment content.
Since chlorella’s tough cell wall must be broken for optimal nutrient absorption, select supplements labeled as “broken cell wall” or “cracked cell.” Due to the potential for heavy metal absorption during cultivation, sourcing a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer is advisable.