Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Aside from fun and cool dance challenges, social media platform TikTok is also known for a slew of other trends, such as unique recipes and new beauty trends.

Recently, one of the trending beauty hacks on TikTok is taking liquid chlorophyll as a supplement.

Liquid chlorophyll is a plant-based supplement derived from chlorophyll, a pigment in plants that gives them their green color.

According to some studies, chlorophyll has anti-aging, blood-building, deodorant, and anti-acne properties.

Some TikTokerists even claim that aside from its certain health benefits, liquid chlorophyll allegedly aids in weight loss.

A TikTok user who swears by liquid chlorophyll as a supplement / Source: Pinoy MD/TikTok

In a recent episode of Pinoy MD, experts weighed in on this latest beauty trend, and internist Dr. Rolando Balburias has an important warning to the public.

“Hindi porket natural ay safe palagi, noh? So, lalo na kung 'yan ay walang guidance ng inyong mga doktor.

“So, huwag po kayo basta-basta iinom ng wala pong guidance.

“At tingnan ninyo po 'yung mga quality and safety standards po, lalo na 'yung, of course, dapat dumaan po 'yan sa FDA quality approval.

“Kasi kung hindi, naku, baka hindi ninyo alam kung ano pong laman niyan, 'yung potency, 'yung purity po niyan at safety, especially.”

Is liquid chlorophyll safe to consume? / Source: Pinoy MD

Moreover, nutritionist Jake Andal reveals that there have been some reported untoward side effects of liquid chlorophyll such as diarrhea, constipation, and allergic reactions when applied directly on the skin like itching and aggravating sunburn.

And although liquid chlorophyll was found to be safe for the liver, according to toxicity reports conducted by the Oregon State University, further studies need to be done to conclude it's truly safe to consume.

In regard to the claim that liquid chlorophyll helps cure acne, dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez says that an experiment found that it helped alleviate acne when applied topically.

However, more studies should be done in order to certify the claim that it is a cure for acne.

What's a better alternative to taking liquid chlorophyll? / Source: Pinoy MD

A single bottle of liquid chlorophyll usually costs around P700 to P1,000.

So, if you want a more practical source of chlorophyll, experts advise that you simply include lots of green, leafy vegetables into your diet.

One cup of spinach reportedly has 24 milligrams of chlorophyll, while one cup of malunggay or moringa leaves contain 265 milligrams of chlorophyll.

Although these options pale in comparison to one bottle of liquid chlorophyll, which has 4.6 grams, experts say these should be enough, given that you eat green, leafy vegetables more frequently.

Nutritionist Jake Andal explains, “Hindi mapapalitan ng pag-inom ng liquid chlorophyll ang dapat pagkonsumo ng prutas at gulay.

“Ang pagkonsumo ng prutas ng gulay ay magbibigay pa sa atin ng napakarami pang nutrients bukod sa chlorophyll, tulad ng iba't ibang bitamina, mineral, fiber at antioxidants.

“Mahalagang isipin na ang pagkonsumo ng supplements ay dapat lamang gawin sa ilalim ng patnubay ng isang doktor o isang medical care provider.”

For more features like this, watch Pinoy MD every Saturday, 6 AM on GMA-7.

And for more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to read about superfoods that boost the immune system.