Can chlorophyll (E140), the most common plant dye, benefit us?

10. 01. 2023

Chlorophyll (“khloros” – light green, “phylon” – leaf) is a plant pigment. The most common dye found in nature. The derivative compound is chlorophyllin.

Main important points about E140 – Chlorophyll:
It is a natural substance
Use in the Czech Republic is permitted
It is suitable for children
It is not an allergen

Production of E140

Chlorophyll is a plant substance. It is produced by biosynthesis. We find him in leafy vegetables (spinach), green vegetables (broccoli), spirulina, chlorella, sprouts, or matcha tea also have a high chlorophyll content.

What is chlorophyll used for?

Chlorophyll is used in the food industry as a dye or in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used in cosmetics and body care.

  • In the food industry, it is, for example, coloring pasta green with spinach
  • In pharmacy, it is used externally, e.g. for wound healing (Dr. Müller Dermochlorophyll) and internally, e.g. to improve blood quality, to protect intestinal flora (Chlorophyll star, Liquid Chlorophyll)
  • In cosmetics and body care, it acts as an effective deodorant, some toothpastes contain chlorophyll (Homéodent, BIOpha).

Is Chlorophyll Healthy?

Chlorophyll is considered beneficial for health.

Excessive use of chlorophyll can cause so-called “accelerated transit”, i.e. diarrhea and green discoloration of stool and urine.

Chlorophyll is not a suitable supplement to medications that increase sensitivity to the sun, such as some acne medications or antibiotics.

Use in the EU vs. USA vs. world

In the European Union, the United States and other countries, the use of E140 is permitted.

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