The substance sold as an internal deodorant is chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative, not the oil-soluble plant pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is chemically modified to be water-soluble, making it more stable and bioavailable in supplements. This supplement is popular due to the widespread claim that consuming it acts as an internal body and breath freshener, reducing general, everyday odor.
The idea of using chlorophyll derivatives to control body odor traces back to small clinical observations in the 1940s and 1950s. The compound was studied to manage severe odors in specific medical populations, such as patients with colostomies or ileostomies, or elderly patients with urinary or fecal incontinence. Reports suggested that taking 100 to 200 milligrams of chlorophyllin daily could help reduce the intensity of fecal and urinary odors in these groups.
Chlorophyllin was also applied topically in ointments to manage malodor from infected or non-healing wounds and ulcers. This historical use established its reputation as a deodorizer, but it focused on severe, medically related smells.
When looking at the modern claim—that a daily dose reduces healthy body odor or bad breath—the scientific evidence is notably limited. Positive findings are often based on older, small-scale studies that lacked rigorous controls. A few later, controlled trials, such as one from the 1980s involving nursing home patients, showed only a modest benefit in reducing fecal odor, and some modern research has shown no statistically significant improvement in urinary odor.
The current scientific consensus is that robust, high-quality clinical evidence confirming chlorophyllin’s effectiveness as a general, systemic deodorant for otherwise healthy individuals is largely missing. Reports of reduced body odor or fresher breath are anecdotal, meaning they are personal accounts and not backed by large, controlled, peer-reviewed trials. Therefore, the current popularity rests more on tradition and personal experience than on definitive scientific proof.
Proposed Ways Chlorophyll Affects Body Odor
The theoretical basis for chlorophyllin’s deodorizing effect centers on its interaction with odor-causing compounds within the gastrointestinal tract. The primary mechanism suggests that the molecule acts as an internal binder, chemically interacting with volatile substances like sulfur compounds, indoles, and trimethylamines—byproducts of protein and sulfur breakdown in the gut.
By binding to these malodorous molecules in the digestive system, chlorophyllin may neutralize or alter them, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. If not absorbed, they cannot be transported and released through the lungs as bad breath or through the skin as body odor.
Chlorophyllin may also support gut health indirectly, as some studies suggest it possesses mild antimicrobial properties that could help rebalance the intestinal flora. Maintaining a healthier balance of bacteria may reduce the production of offensive odor-causing metabolic byproducts.
Furthermore, chlorophyllin exhibits antioxidant properties, which are proposed as a secondary mechanism for odor control. By acting as an antioxidant, the supplement may reduce oxidative degradation, theoretically limiting the formation of some odoriferous substances.
The chlorophyll molecule has a structure similar to heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin. This led to early, largely debunked theories that it could “purify the blood,” but the focus has shifted to the plausible actions of binding and neutralizing odor compounds directly in the gut.
Safety Profile and Side Effects
Chlorophyllin is generally regarded as safe when consumed orally, particularly for short-term use (up to three months). Since it is a supplement, it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness, so users should adhere strictly to product dosage instructions. The most frequent adverse effects are typically mild and limited to the gastrointestinal tract.
Some individuals may experience stomach cramps, mild nausea, or temporary digestive upset upon starting the supplement. Diarrhea or loose stools are also common, especially if a high dose is taken too quickly. These issues often resolve as the body adjusts or if the dosage is reduced.
A highly noticeable side effect is the temporary discoloration of bodily waste due to the supplement’s intense green pigment. Users should expect their urine and stools to turn green or yellow-green. The tongue may also take on a temporary yellow or black color.
A more serious consideration is the potential for photosensitivity, meaning the skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. This increased sensitivity heightens the risk of severe sunburn, blistering, or rashes. Individuals taking chlorophyllin should use sun protection and protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
Chlorophyllin supplements contain copper ions for increased stability. Consuming high doses for an extended period could potentially lead to adverse effects from excessive copper intake. Liquid chlorophyllin is also known to cause staining on clothing and can temporarily stain teeth, so it is recommended to mix it with water and drink it quickly.