What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Chlorophyll Water Every Day

Explore the science-backed effects of daily chlorophyll water consumption, from potential skin benefits to digestive impacts and supplement safety.

You’ve probably seen it flooding your social media feed: influencers swirling green-tinted water, claiming liquid chlorophyll is their secret to glowing skin, boundless energy, and more. But what actually happens inside your body if you start drinking chlorophyll water daily? Let’s separate the science-backed potential from the hype.

What Exactly Is Chlorophyll?​​  

Chlorophyll is the vital green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis – the process where plants convert sunlight into energy. It’s a type of phytochemical, joining others like carotenoids (yellows, oranges, reds) and anthocyanins (reds, blues, purples) that give plants their colors and often contain beneficial nutrients. When people talk about “chlorophyll water,” they’re usually referring to a supplement – either liquid drops or powder – dissolved in water. The most common supplement form isn’t pure chlorophyll, but ​​chlorophyllin​​, a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative often bound to copper or sodium, which is thought to be more stable and potentially easier for your body to absorb than the natural form found in plants.

How You Might Take It & Typical Dosage​​  

If you decide to try chlorophyllin supplements, you’d typically follow the directions on the specific product you purchase. Liquid drops are popular for their ease of mixing. While there’s no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, common supplement servings often hover around 100 milligrams dissolved in 8 ounces of water. You might find it added to smoothies or as a key ingredient in many popular greens powder supplements.

Potential Health Benefits: What the Research Suggests​​  

So, what could sipping on chlorophyll water daily potentially do for you? Research is ongoing, but some intriguing areas of interest include:

1. Supporting Skin Health & Possibly Healthy Aging:​​ You might be familiar with retinoids (like retinol) for anti-aging, but they can cause irritation. Interestingly, research hints chlorophyllin might offer an alternative path. A 2016 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that a chlorophyllin complex applied topically performed similarly to a low-dose retinol cream in improving skin thickness and texture in photoaged skin. The theory is that chlorophyllin might help slow the loss of hyaluronic acid, a key component for plump, youthful skin ^[1] . However, more research is needed, especially on ingested chlorophyllin’s direct effects on aging.

2. ​Possibly Aiding Acne Clearance:​​ Phototherapy (light therapy) is sometimes used for stubborn acne. A 2014 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggested that using topical chlorophyllin in conjunction with specific light therapy resulted in better acne clearance than light therapy alone ^[2] . Again, research on drinking chlorophyll water specifically for acne is very limited, but the topical interaction with light is a promising area.

3. ​May Contribute to Reducing Cancer Risk (Particularly Colon Cancer):​​ Diets rich in dark green, chlorophyll-packed vegetables have long been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers. Early research (like a 2005 article in The Journal of Nutrition) pointed to chlorophyll’s potential protective role against colon cancer. More recently, a 2019 study in Nutrients involving 50 adults supported this, suggesting that high consumption of green vegetables (naturally rich in chlorophyll) correlates with reduced colon cancer risk. Chlorophyllin is thought to potentially bind to potential carcinogens, hindering their absorption ^[3] .

4. ​Potential for Enhanced Wound Healing:​​ Chlorophyllin has shown promise in wound care, particularly for burns. An older (2008) study in Wound Management & Prevention found that adding chlorophyllin to a common debriding agent (papain-urea) significantly reduced pain. More recently, a 2021 study in Dermatology found that chlorophyll derived from microalgae stimulated dermal regeneration in full-thickness skin wounds in animal models without adverse effects. This suggests potential for supporting the body’s natural healing processes ^[4] .

5. ​Potential Support for Combating Iron-Deficiency Anemia:​​ Individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets can be at higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents offered an interesting finding: dialysis patients given chlorophyllin supplements showed improvements in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood iron reserves. While more research is needed to confirm this effect in the general population, it suggests chlorophyllin might play a supportive role in iron metabolism, potentially benefiting those prone to anemia ^[5] .

​Potential Side Effects: What You Might Experience​  

While often considered safe for most people in typical supplement doses, drinking chlorophyll water daily could lead to some unwanted effects:

​​Digestive Upset:​​ The most common complaints are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. This is more likely if you take it on an empty stomach. Taking it with food can often help minimize this.

​​Loose Stools/Diarrhea:​​ Particularly at higher doses, chlorophyllin can act as a laxative for some people.

​​Green Discoloration:​​ Be prepared! Chlorophyllin can turn your urine or stool a harmless but startling green or blackish-green color.

​​Potential Photosensitivity:​​ Some sources suggest chlorophyllin might increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making you more prone to sunburn. Being extra vigilant with sunscreen is wise.

​​Tongue/Tooth Staining:​​ The concentrated green pigment can temporarily stain your tongue or teeth.

​​Important Considerations Before You Start​​  

​​Look for Chlorophyllin:​​ Supplements containing chlorophyllin (sodium copper chlorophyllin is common) are generally recommended over pure chlorophyll for better stability and absorption. ​​Consult Your Healthcare Provider or a Registered Dietitian:​​ ​​This is crucial.​​ Discuss whether chlorophyll supplementation is appropriate for you, especially if you: Have any underlying health conditions. Are pregnant or breastfeeding (safety data is limited; some sources advise caution due to potential GI upset).

​​Take Medications:​​ Pay special attention if you take ​​methotrexate​​ (used for arthritis, cancer, psoriasis). Chlorophyllin has been shown to delay the clearance of this drug from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your doctor to avoid interactions. ​​Food First:​​ Nutrition experts consistently emphasize that getting nutrients from whole foods is ideal. Dark leafy greens provide chlorophyll plus fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial phytochemicals that work synergistically. ​

​Foods Naturally Rich in Chlorophyll (A Better First Choice?)​​  

Instead of (or alongside) supplements, consider boosting your intake of these chlorophyll-packed whole foods:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Parsley
• Arugula (Rocket)
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Collard greens
• Wheatgrass
• Alfalfa sprouts ​

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​​  

• ​Is it safe to drink chlorophyll water every day?​

For most healthy adults, taking typical supplement doses daily is likely safe, but side effects like digestive upset can occur. Starting with a low dose and taking it with food can help. However, consulting your healthcare provider first is always recommended. Remember, whole food sources are preferred.

• ​​Do I need to refrigerate liquid chlorophyll?​

Yes. Refrigerating liquid chlorophyll supplements after opening helps prevent bacterial growth and maintain stability, similar to storing fresh greens. It also generally tastes better cold.

• ​Is drinking liquid chlorophyll actually healthy?​

It may offer some potential benefits based on preliminary research, as outlined above. However, it’s not a magic bullet or essential nutrient. For most people, focusing on a diet rich in diverse fruits and vegetables, including dark leafy greens, provides broader health benefits and chlorophyll naturally. Supplements carry potential side effects and interactions.

• ​Who should avoid drinking liquid chlorophyll?​​
  • Individuals taking ​​methotrexate​​ (due to the interaction risk).
  • Those with known sensitivity or allergy to chlorophyllin.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult your doctor first due to limited safety data and potential for worsening nausea).
  • Anyone with a medical condition or taking other medications should consult their doctor before starting. ​

​The Bottom Line​​  

Drinking chlorophyll water daily has gained popularity based on claims of significant health benefits. While some preliminary research on chlorophyllin (the common supplement form) suggests potential upsides for skin health (aging, acne support), wound healing, cancer risk reduction (especially colon), and possibly aiding iron metabolism, the evidence is often limited, early-stage, or based on topical application or high vegetable intake – not specifically on daily chlorophyll water supplements.

You might experience side effects like digestive upset or green discoloration. Crucially, chlorophyllin can interact with medications like methotrexate. Therefore, ​​consulting your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting is essential.​​

Ultimately, while chlorophyllin supplements might offer some niche benefits, the safest and most nutritionally comprehensive way to get chlorophyll and its associated health perks is by regularly consuming ​​dark green leafy vegetables and other whole plant foods.​​ Save the green water trend for your feed, and load up your plate with spinach, kale, and broccoli instead. The science consistently shows that’s where the most reliable health benefits lie.