The Science Behind Popular Supplements: Chlorophyll and Collagen Explained

Walk into any health store, scroll through TikTok, or browse your favorite beauty retailer, and you'll encounter numerous claims that certain pills, powders, or potions can enhance skin glow, boost energy, or facilitate detoxification. Among these trending products are chlorophyll—inspired by the green pigment in plants—and collagen, touted for its presumed anti-aging and joint-strengthening benefits.

Chlorophyll
Deep green leafy vegetables like kale and cavolo nero are renowned for their nutrient density, providing iron, folate, and beta-carotene. They also contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing sunlight during photosynthesis in plants. Wellness personalities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian have popularized chlorophyll water, claiming benefits like reducing body odor and supporting detox processes. These claims extend to the idea that chlorophyll can 'oxygenate' the blood.

However, scientific scrutiny reveals that these notions are misleading. As Ben Goldacre, a critic of pseudoscience, explains, humans do not perform photosynthesis. Chlorophyll does not act as an oxygenator within our bodies because, without sunlight reaching our tissues, it can't facilitate this process. Its primary role in plants involves absorbing sunlight to produce energy, not enhancing human health directly.

Supplement products like chlorophyllin—a water-soluble synthetic form—are marketed with promises of detoxing and skin benefits. While some studies suggest chlorophyllin might reduce fecal odor or bacterial growth in wounds, the evidence remains limited. Many benefits attributed to chlorophyll, such as weight loss or antioxidant effects, are largely anecdotal and more convincingly linked to consuming a diet rich in greens rather than supplements.

Collagen
Collagen, a vital protein in connective tissues, is perhaps even more popular. It lends strength to the skin, bones, and blood vessels. As we age or in certain conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, collagen production diminishes, leading to fragile tissues and slower healing.

To support collagen synthesis, consuming adequate protein and vitamin C-rich foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, and bone broth is crucial. Supplements containing collagen may offer some benefits, like improved skin elasticity, joint support, and increased bone strength, but the scientific evidence is mixed. Topical collagen products are unlikely to penetrate deeply enough to impact wrinkles significantly; they might temporarily hydrate the skin surface.

Therefore, the best approach to maintaining healthy collagen levels typically involves a balanced diet and micronutrients like copper and zinc, rather than expensive powders or creams. Unless you have a specific deficiency, there's little reason to invest heavily in collagen supplements.

Conclusion
While chlorophyll and collagen have roles in plant biology and our body respectively, their marketed health benefits are often overstated. Evidence supports certain uses, such as wound healing with chlorophyll-based dressings or nutrient support for collagen synthesis, but many claims are not backed by strong science. For optimal health, focusing on a balanced diet and proven lifestyle factors remains the most effective strategy.

(source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-skin-detoxing-chlorophyll-collagen-supplements.html)