The increasing popularity of liquid chlorophyll has led to claims that consuming it can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common issue for people who ascend too quickly to high elevations. This article examines the science behind this proposed connection, comparing the theory with established medical understanding and detailing proven methods for safe altitude acclimatization.
Understanding Altitude Sickness
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs when an unacclimatized person rapidly ascends above approximately 2,500 meters (about 8,000 feet). The primary cause is reduced atmospheric pressure, which results in a lower partial pressure of inspired oxygen. This leads to hypobaric hypoxia, meaning less oxygen is available for the body’s tissues.
The body’s response to oxygen deprivation manifests as a headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. The lack of oxygen triggers changes in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to mild swelling and increased intracranial pressure. While these symptoms are usually mild, failure to acclimatize can lead to the life-threatening conditions of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
The Chlorophyll-Oxygen Connection Theory
The belief that chlorophyll can combat altitude sickness stems from a perceived structural similarity to human hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen in the blood. Both molecules share a large, complex ring structure called a porphyrin ring. This parallel has led to chlorophyll being misleadingly marketed as “plant blood.”
The main chemical difference lies in the central metal atom bound within the ring structure. Hemoglobin requires an iron atom to bind oxygen, giving blood its red color. In contrast, chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, has a magnesium atom at its core. This superficial resemblance is the foundation for the theory that ingesting chlorophyll can enhance the body’s ability to carry oxygen or stimulate the production of new red blood cells.
Scientific Consensus and Clinical Reality
Despite the marketing narrative, there is a lack of robust clinical data to support the use of chlorophyll or its derivative, chlorophyllin, for preventing or treating acute mountain sickness. The body’s digestive system does not process ingested chlorophyll in a way that allows conversion into functional human hemoglobin. The complex metabolic machinery required to swap the central magnesium atom for iron simply does not exist.
Furthermore, the absorption rate of whole chlorophyll molecules through the intestinal wall is poor. The small amount absorbed cannot bypass the body’s tightly regulated mechanisms for red blood cell production, which take weeks, not hours, to ramp up. Therefore, chlorophyll is not an evidence-based intervention for mitigating the effects of hypobaric hypoxia. Relying on chlorophyll as a primary preventative measure for altitude illness is not recommended by medical professionals.
Proven Strategies for Altitude Acclimatization
Since chlorophyll is not an accepted treatment, travelers should focus on medically proven strategies for safe altitude acclimatization. The most important factor is a gradual ascent rate, which allows the body time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Above 3,000 meters (about 9,850 feet), the sleeping altitude should not be increased by more than 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) per day, with a rest day included every three to four days.
Proper hydration is also a crucial behavioral strategy, as the dry air and increased breathing rate at altitude lead to greater fluid loss. Avoiding excessive physical exertion and depressants like alcohol and sedatives during the first 48 hours is advised. For pharmacological prevention, the drug acetazolamide, known by the brand name Diamox, is highly effective. This medication works by inducing a mild metabolic acidosis, which stimulates the respiratory drive and increases ventilation, speeding up the natural acclimatization process. A typical prophylactic dose is 125 milligrams taken twice daily, starting the day before ascent.