Liquid Chlorophyll Side Effects | Safety Guide

Liquid Chlorophyll supplements have become a popular way to support natural blood-cleansing processes, encourage proper immune response, and act as a natural deodorizer. But as with any supplement, understanding potential Liquid Chlorophyll side effects is an important part of making an informed decision about your wellness routine.

Most commercial Liquid Chlorophyll products — including Nature's Sunshine Liquid Chlorophyll — actually contain sodium copper chlorophyllin, a semisynthetic, water-soluble derivative of natural Chlorophyll. In chlorophyllin, the central magnesium atom found in plant Chlorophyll is replaced by copper, and the fat-soluble phytol tail is removed, making it dissolve cleanly in water. This structural change is what allows you to stir it into a glass of cold water.

Natural chlorophylls are not known to be toxic, and no toxic effects have been attributed to chlorophyllin despite more than 50 years of clinical use in humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes chlorophylls as safe for use in foods, and EFSA has concluded that chlorophylls as food additives do not pose safety concerns at reported usage levels. Still, a handful of side effects and safety considerations are worth knowing about.

While Liquid Chlorophyll has a strong overall safety record, several side effects have been documented in the literature. Most are mild and cosmetic rather than medically concerning.

Green, Yellow, or Black Discoloration

The most commonly reported Liquid Chlorophyll side effect is green discoloration of urine or feces. Some users also experience yellow or black discoloration of the tongue. These color changes are harmless and result from the pigment passing through your system — they are not a sign of a health problem.

Occasional Digestive Upset

There have been occasional reports of diarrhea related to oral sodium copper chlorophyllin use. If you experience digestive discomfort, you may want to try a smaller serving or take it with food.

False Positive on Stool Tests

An important but often overlooked side effect: oral chlorophyllin may result in false positive results on guaiac card tests for occult blood. If you are scheduled for stool-based screening, let your healthcare provider know you take Liquid Chlorophyll.

Photosensitivity

Chlorophyllin retains some of Chlorophyll's natural ability to act as a photosensitizer. While this property is exploited therapeutically in photodynamic therapy applications, it may represent a risk consideration for individuals with photosensitivity conditions who are taking high supplemental doses.

Pregnancy and Lactation

The safety of Chlorophyll or chlorophyllin supplements has not been tested in pregnant or lactating women. For this reason, they should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Wilson's Disease and Copper Metabolism Disorders

Because sodium copper chlorophyllin contains copper as its central metal atom, individuals with rare disorders of copper metabolism — such as Wilson's disease — should limit their exposure to copper additives, including supplemental chlorophyllin.

Drug Interactions

A case of delayed methotrexate clearance was reported following administration of a complementary medication containing Chlorophyll, suggesting a potential pharmacokinetic interaction with at least one chemotherapy agent. While this remains an isolated case report, it highlights the importance of discussing Liquid Chlorophyll with your healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Additionally, chlorophylls and sodium copper chlorophyllin form tight molecular complexes with certain chemicals. Carefully controlled studies have not been undertaken to determine whether a similar mechanism might limit uptake of required nutrients or co-administered medications.

EFSA Regulatory Note on Copper Chlorophyllin

It is worth noting that EFSA's Panel on Food Additives found that reliable data on absorption, metabolism, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity of copper chlorophyllin complexes (E141ii) are still insufficient. As a result, the existing ADI for E141ii was withdrawn. While no specific safety concern was identified, the panel noted that the safety of the substance cannot be considered definitively established. In the European Union, E141ii continues to be authorized for use under "quantum satis" conditions.

If you have questions about whether Liquid Chlorophyll is right for you — especially if you have an existing health condition or take medications — our naturopath is available for a free consultation to help you think it through.

Despite the side effects worth knowing about, Liquid Chlorophyll has a long track record of safe use. Nature's Sunshine Liquid Chlorophyll is designed to support your body in several ways:

• Supports natural blood-cleansing processes
• Encourages proper immune response
• Strengthens the body on a cellular and molecular level
• Acts as a natural deodorizer

Chlorophyll has been marketed as an internal deodorant since the 1950s. One study published in 1980 found that chlorophyllin administration was "helpful in controlling body and fecal odors" in 62 geriatric nursing home patients. Another study in a small number of Japanese patients with trimethylaminuria found that oral sodium copper chlorophyllin significantly decreased urinary trimethylamine. However, modern evidence for this benefit in healthy people remains limited.

Traditionally, Chlorophyll's structural similarity to hemoglobin — both are tetrapyrrole ring structures — has led to the historical belief that Chlorophyll-rich preparations may support blood health. Chlorophyll has also been used traditionally as an internal cleanser and detoxifier, based on its documented ability to bind certain carcinogens and support liver detoxification enzyme pathways.

Research suggests that chlorophyllin may support the body's defenses against environmental toxins. A landmark randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that 100 mg chlorophyllin three times daily for four months produced a 55% reduction in urinary aflatoxin-DNA adduct biomarkers in a high-exposure population. A subsequent pharmacokinetic study confirmed that both Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin may reduce aflatoxin bioavailability.

Take 2 tablespoons (30mL) in an 8 fl oz glass of cold water daily. Refrigerate after opening.

Each 30 mL serving provides 90 mg of sodium copper chlorophyllin. The formula also contains spearmint aerial parts oil, which has historically been used for digestive comfort and as a flavoring agent.

No official recommended daily intake or tolerable upper intake level for Chlorophyll or chlorophyllin has been set by major regulatory bodies such as the NIH or EFSA for supplemental use. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has established an Acceptable Daily Intake of 0–15 mg/kg body weight for copper chlorophylls as a food additive.