Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color. It plays a critical role in providing the nutrients they need to thrive. Some people believe it has health benefits for humans, too, despite limited and outdated research.
Chlorophyll is considered nonpoisonous, but it can be harmful in large amounts. While rare, consuming too much chlorophyll can lead to several potential side effects.
1. Diarrhea
When consumed in supplement form, chlorophyll can lead to loose stools for some people, potentially resulting in diarrhea, according to Oregon State University.
These bowel changes should go away on their own within a day or so, especially if you stop taking the supplement. If they don’t, call your healthcare provider.
2. Stomach Cramps
Along with diarrhea, MedlinePlus says some people report experiencing stomach cramps as a side effect of drinking liquid chlorophyll.
While stomach cramps aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can certainly be uncomfortable. As with diarrhea, if they don’t go away within a day or two, call your doctor.
3. Discolored Tongue, Urine, and Stool
Chlorophyll’s strong pigment can also affect the body in several ways. Drinking chlorophyll can temporarily change the color of your urine and stool, giving them a greenish hue, says Cleveland Clinic. It can also turn your tongue black or yellow, notes MedlinePlus.
While these reactions may seem odd, they’re not harmful, and they should be temporary.
4. Burning or Itching
While many people choose to drink liquid chlorophyll, some apply it directly to wounds despite a lack of scientific evidence proving its topical benefits.
If chlorophyll comes into contact with your skin, it may cause a mild itching or burning sensation, according to Oregon State University.
A Word of Caution
Since liquid chlorophyll is a dietary supplement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t establish a recommended dose, nor does it make sure supplements are safe or effective before they hit store shelves.
While there aren’t many serious risks of liquid chlorophyll in small doses, there’s also no guarantee that a chlorophyll supplement contains only that ingredient or includes the amount of chlorophyll stated on the bottle or packaging.
There could also be other ingredients in the supplement that may cause side effects, or there could be much more chlorophyll in the supplement than you realize, which could lead to accidental overconsumption.
The healthiest way to get a dose of chlorophyll is by eating green vegetables, says Cleveland Clinic. Some chlorophyll-rich foods include:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Collard greens
- Green beans
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mustard greens
- Peas
- Spinach
If you’re unable to get enough chlorophyll through vegetables in your diet for medical reasons, talk to your healthcare provider about whether supplementing is a good idea for you.
If you have any symptoms or side effects after drinking liquid chlorophyll, go to the emergency room or call the poison help hotline at 800-222-1222. Symptoms generally resolve on their own, but chlorophyll can be harmful in large amounts.
