The popular health supplement, often marketed as liquid chlorophyll, has garnered significant attention for its purported ability to act as an internal deodorant. This claim suggests that consuming the green pigment can reduce general body odor and potentially curb excessive sweating. This belief stems from decades of anecdotal use and a handful of older, small-scale studies. The core question remains whether this plant-derived substance actually works to modify the way the body smells and functions.
Defining Chlorophyll Supplements
The substance people consume in liquid or capsule form is not pure natural chlorophyll, the fat-soluble pigment found in plants that powers photosynthesis. Natural chlorophyll is relatively unstable and poorly absorbed when ingested alone. Instead, commercial supplements contain a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative called chlorophyllin, often listed as sodium copper chlorophyllin.
This chemical modification replaces the central magnesium atom of natural chlorophyll with a copper atom, creating a more stable and bioavailable compound. The copper complex also makes the molecule soluble in water, which is why it is easily mixed into drinks and readily absorbed. Consumers seeking deodorizing effects are therefore purchasing and ingesting chlorophyllin, a distinctly altered form of the plant’s original pigment.
Evidence for Managing Sweat and Odor
The connection between chlorophyllin and odor control is rooted in historical observations rather than extensive modern clinical trials. There is virtually no scientific evidence to support the claim that chlorophyllin reduces the volume of sweat produced, meaning it is not a treatment for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. The focus of the limited available research has always been on odor reduction, not sweat production.
The earliest and most frequently cited studies date back to the 1940s and 1950s, where chlorophyllin was investigated as an internal deodorizer for specific clinical populations. These small-scale trials focused on reducing unpleasant odors associated with colostomy and ileostomy patients, as well as minimizing fecal and urinary odors in geriatric or incontinent patients. The results from these early trials were modest, suggesting some potential to neutralize specific odors related to waste products.
However, more rigorous, contemporary research is sparse, and the overall quality of the evidence for general body odor reduction is low. For example, some studies examining its effect on urinary odor in catheterized older adults did not show a statistically significant improvement. Therefore, the current popularity of chlorophyllin as a general-purpose internal deodorant for healthy individuals is largely driven by anecdotal reports and social media trends, lacking robust scientific confirmation.
Proposed Biological Action
The theories explaining how chlorophyllin might function as an internal deodorizer center on its chemical structure and interaction within the digestive system.
Binding Odor Molecules
The primary mechanism suggests that the compound works by binding to odor-causing molecules found in the gut. By chelating or attaching to substances like volatile sulfur compounds, indoles, and trimethylamines, chlorophyllin may prevent these malodorous compounds from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This prevents them from being subsequently excreted through the breath or sweat.
Supporting Detoxification
Another element is the compound’s potential role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Chlorophyllin possesses antioxidant properties and may support liver function, which is the organ responsible for processing and eliminating many metabolic waste products. The theory suggests that by aiding the liver in filtering these wastes, the concentration of odor-contributing substances circulating in the body is reduced.
Improving Gut Health
Furthermore, some of the odor-neutralizing effect is attributed to an indirect improvement in gut health. The balance of gut microbiota is known to influence the body’s scent, and it is theorized that chlorophyllin’s mild antimicrobial and cleansing properties could help rebalance the gut flora. While these biological actions are plausible, they remain largely theoretical when applied to reducing the day-to-day body odor of a healthy person.
Safety Profile and Consumption Guidelines
Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe for short-term consumption, with most individuals experiencing no serious adverse effects. The typical dosage range found in commercial supplements is between 100 milligrams and 300 milligrams per day, sometimes divided into multiple doses. However, there is no established upper limit, and a lack of regulation means that actual content can vary between brands.
Common, minor side effects are primarily digestive and include mild stomach upset, loose stools, or occasional diarrhea. Consumers should not be alarmed if they notice a green discoloration of their urine or feces, as this is a normal, harmless result of the pigment passing through the body. A more serious, though uncommon, concern is a temporary increase in sun sensitivity, known as photosensitivity, which warrants caution during prolonged sun exposure.
Since chlorophyllin contains copper, taking excessive doses for an extended period could potentially lead to copper toxicity, and long-term safety data beyond three months is limited. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using chlorophyllin supplements due to a lack of research confirming safety in these populations. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for those with existing health conditions or who are taking other medications.