What Is Liquid Chlorophyll? Benefits, Uses & More

If you've ever wondered what Liquid Chlorophyll actually is, you're not alone — it's one of the most common questions we hear from customers. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows plants to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. But Chlorophyll doesn't just nourish plant life. For generations, people have turned to Chlorophyll-derived supplements to support natural blood-cleansing processes, encourage healthy immune response, and promote whole-body wellness.

Most Liquid Chlorophyll products — including this Nature's Sunshine formula — contain sodium copper chlorophyllin, a semisynthetic, water-soluble derivative of natural Chlorophyll. Natural Chlorophyll is fat-soluble and doesn't dissolve cleanly in water, so chlorophyllin was developed to make it easy to mix into a simple glass of water. In chlorophyllin, the central magnesium atom of natural Chlorophyll is replaced with copper, and the phytol tail is removed, resulting in a stable, water-soluble compound.

This 32-oz liquid formula also includes a small amount of spearmint aerial parts oil for flavor. The result is a refreshing daily addition to your routine that supports blood health, immune function, and the body's natural cleansing processes — and doubles as a natural deodorizer.

To understand what Liquid Chlorophyll does, it helps to look at the science behind its key compound. Sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) contains two copper-containing porphyrin ring structures — trisodium copper chlorin e6 and disodium copper chlorin e4 — that give it its distinctive deep green color and its biological activity.

Blood Health

Chlorophyll's structural similarity to hemoglobin — both share a tetrapyrrole ring structure, with magnesium at Chlorophyll's center and iron at heme's — has traditionally supported the belief that Chlorophyll-rich preparations may support red blood cell health. Research on a related compound, sodium iron chlorophyllin, has shown more direct clinical evidence: a Phase IV multicenter randomized controlled trial across 31 hospitals found significant hemoglobin increases in participants treated with sodium iron chlorophyllin-containing tablets, and a 2022 meta-analysis of 39 trials further supported efficacy for iron-deficiency anemia. Standard plant-based Chlorophyll (containing magnesium or copper rather than iron) has traditionally been associated with blood support, though robust human clinical evidence for directly raising hemoglobin with these forms is still limited.

Natural Cleansing and Detoxification

Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are able to form tight molecular complexes with certain chemicals known or suspected to cause harm — including polyaromatic hydrocarbons found in tobacco smoke and aflatoxin B1. Research suggests this binding may interfere with gastrointestinal absorption, reducing the amount that reaches sensitive tissues. A landmark randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 180 adults found that 100 mg chlorophyllin three times daily for four months produced a 55% reduction in urinary aflatoxin-DNA adduct biomarkers versus placebo. A subsequent crossover pharmacokinetic study confirmed that both SCC and Chlorophyll may reduce aflatoxin bioavailability. Beyond specific toxin binding, Chlorophyll has been used as a traditional internal cleanser and detoxifier for decades, rooted in naturopathic practice.

Immune Support

Chlorophyllin has traditionally been attributed immune-supporting properties. Preclinical studies suggest immunostimulatory effects, potential enhancement of white blood cell production, and anti-inflammatory modulation. Traditional and naturopathic frameworks have long positioned Chlorophyll as an immune tonic, though direct human clinical evidence for specific immune outcomes such as infection resistance remains an area for future research.

Natural Deodorizer

Chlorophyll has been marketed as an "internal deodorant" since the 1950s. A 1980 study found that chlorophyllin administration was "helpful in controlling body and fecal odors" in 62 geriatric nursing home patients. Another study in patients with trimethylaminuria found that oral SCC significantly decreased urinary trimethylamine over three weeks. SCC has been used orally as an internal deodorant for more than 50 years without serious side effects, though evidence in healthy individuals remains limited.

Antioxidant Activity

The chemical nature of the porphyrin ring allows chlorophylls to function as hydrogen donors, stopping chain oxidation processes. Research indicates that chlorophylls present significant antioxidant activity through chelation of reactive ions and scavenging of free radicals, which may help prevent oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation.

Understanding what Liquid Chlorophyll is can help you decide whether it fits your wellness goals. This formula may be a good match for people looking to:

• Support their body's natural cleansing processes — chlorophyllin has traditionally been used as an internal cleanser and has documented ability to bind certain environmental toxins in the digestive tract
• Promote blood health — those interested in the traditional connection between Chlorophyll's structure and hemoglobin support
• Encourage healthy immune response — chlorophyllin has been traditionally positioned as an immune tonic in naturopathic practice
• Address body odor concerns naturally — SCC has been used as an internal deodorant for over 50 years
• Add more "green" to their daily routine — Liquid Chlorophyll offers a simple way to incorporate Chlorophyll-derived compounds without eating pounds of leafy vegetables

If you're unsure whether Liquid Chlorophyll is right for your individual needs, our naturopath is available for a free consultation — no purchase or membership required.

A note on safety: 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. Oral supplementation may cause green discoloration of urine or feces, or yellow or black discoloration of the tongue. Since safety has not been tested in pregnant or lactating women, these groups should avoid supplementation. Individuals with copper metabolism disorders such as Wilson's disease should limit exposure to copper-containing supplements, including SCC.

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

Many of our customers enjoy their daily glass of Liquid Chlorophyll first thing in the morning as a refreshing way to start the day. The spearmint oil gives it a clean, pleasant taste that makes it easy to look forward to.