What Is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants and algae. It is the molecule that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy, which is why every green plant and every green microalga contains it. In the supplement context, chlorophyll is valued for its antioxidant properties, and chlorella contains the highest chlorophyll concentration of any commonly consumed food source.
Chlorophyll has established antioxidant activity in biochemical systems. No EFSA-authorised health claim permits telling you that dietary chlorophyll will "detoxify your blood," "oxygenate your cells," or "cleanse your system." Those are marketing phrases, not evidence-backed claims. If you see a supplement label making those promises, that tells you something about the company's evidence standards. The compound is genuine. The claims attached to it frequently are not.
Where You Find Chlorophyll in Supplements
Chlorella provides the most chlorophyll per gram. Marine phytoplankton from Nannochloropsis also contains chlorophyll, though in lower concentrations than chlorella. Spirulina contains chlorophyll alongside its distinctive blue pigment phycocyanin. We compared the pigment profiles in our chlorella vs spirulina article.
Greens powders that combine multiple algae ingredients deliver a broader chlorophyll dose than any single ingredient alone. If chlorophyll content is part of your reason for choosing a greens product, check whether the ingredients include chlorella specifically and at what quantity.
A proprietary blend without individual weights does not tell you how much chlorophyll you are actually getting. If you are buying from a health shop rather than online, the shop assistant almost certainly cannot tell you either; check the label before you pay.
Chlorophyll at a Glance
- What it is: The green pigment that drives photosynthesis in plants and algae
- Richest supplement source: Chlorella (highest concentration of any common food)
- Antioxidant properties: Established in biochemistry; no EFSA-authorised consumer health claims
- Marketing claims to question: "Detoxifies blood," "oxygenates cells," "internal cleansing"
What our research found
Chlorella delivers 10 to 20 mg of chlorophyll per gram of dry biomass. Spirulina contains roughly 9 mg per gram. Dried spinach powder sits at around 30 to 60 mg per gram dry weight, and dried wheatgrass powder at roughly 15 to 25 mg.
Chlorella's advantage is not raw concentration per gram (spinach powder beats it on that). The advantage is practicality: a 5-gram serve of chlorella delivers a substantial chlorophyll intake without asking you to consume a bowl of dried leafy greens.
The detoxification and oxygenation claims have no human clinical trial support. Chlorophyll's antioxidant activity is established in biochemical assays, and some preliminary studies suggest anti-mutagenic properties. But the marketing claims about blood cleansing, cell oxygenation, and internal detox are not supported by published human outcomes data. The pigment is real and valuable. The claims frequently attached to it are not.
Sources
Cara Hayes, MSc Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Sydney), writes all content in the Phytality Knowledge Centre. Read our editorial policy.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Methodology and Disclosure
Phytality manufactures chlorella-containing supplements with high chlorophyll content. We have a commercial interest in chlorophyll being valued. Biochemical descriptions reflect established photosynthesis and antioxidant chemistry. No EFSA-authorised health claims are cited for dietary chlorophyll.
Last reviewed: March 2026
