Health enthusiasts are increasingly turning to supplements like chlorophyll and collagen, often promoted as the keys to glowing skin and improved energy. With their growing presence on platforms like TikTok and in health stores, these products promise various benefits, from detoxification to enhanced skin elasticity. Yet, the question arises: how much of this hype is rooted in scientific evidence?
Understanding Chlorophyll: More Than Just a Green Pigment
Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants, plays a critical role in photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into energy. Dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are rich in chlorophyll, alongside essential nutrients like iron and beta-carotene. Wellness influencers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian-Barker have popularized chlorophyll water, claiming benefits such as detoxification and improved body odour.
One prominent claim is that chlorophyll can “oxygenate” the blood. However, Ben Goldacre, a physician and critic of pseudoscience, argues that this assertion lacks scientific foundation. Unlike plants, human bodies do not perform photosynthesis. Consequently, chlorophyll cannot generate oxygen within the human body.
Research on chlorophyll’s health benefits presents a mixed picture. While chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic form, has been associated with reducing body odour and promoting wound healing, evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. Some studies suggest it may help lessen unpleasant smells from the digestive system, though claims regarding its antioxidant properties and weight loss effects are primarily anecdotal.
The Collagen Craze: A Closer Look
Collagen, a protein integral to connective tissues throughout the body, has become a staple in the wellness community. It provides structure and strength to skin, bones, and ligaments. Insufficient collagen production can lead to fragile tissues and prolonged healing times, particularly in conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The production of collagen relies on amino acids derived from dietary protein, with Vitamin C playing a crucial role in its synthesis. Despite the prevalence of collagen supplements, scientific consensus on their effectiveness is still evolving. Some studies suggest that oral collagen supplements may enhance skin appearance and support joint health, yet evidence for their role in weight loss or treatment of cardiovascular issues is sparse.
Topical collagen products are widely marketed, but their efficacy is questionable. Collagen molecules are typically too large for effective absorption through the skin, rendering them unlikely to significantly impact wrinkles. At best, they may provide temporary hydration.
In conclusion, while both chlorophyll and collagen are marketed as miracle supplements, the scientific backing for their effectiveness is inconsistent. A balanced diet rich in whole foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables may offer a more effective and economical way to support health. As Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, aptly notes, embracing a healthy diet could be preferable to relying on popular supplements.
