If you’ve ever wondered whether the “green stuff” in plants can do more than just make leaves green, you’re not alone. 

A fascinating hypothesis paper suggests that a chlorophyll metabolite called phytanic acid might play a role in blood sugar control and metabolic health.

In this article, we’ll unpack what that means in plain English, and what it doesn’t mean (spoiler: the evidence isn’t strong between chlorophyll and diabetes).

If you want to see the original scientific discussion, you can read the paper here:
 👉 McCarty MF. The chlorophyll metabolite phytanic acid is a natural rexinoid — potential for treatment and prevention of diabetes

What Is Phytanic Acid?

Phytanic acid is a fatty acid that comes from phytol, a component of chlorophyll. In humans, we mostly get phytanic acid from:

• Dairy fat
• Beef fat
• Certain fish and marine fats

In cows and other ruminants, gut bacteria break down chlorophyll from grass, releasing phytol, which is then converted into phytanic acid and stored in their milk and fat. 

When we eat those foods, we take in small amounts of phytanic acid.

Why Do Scientists Care About Phytanic Acid?

The excitement comes from its effect on a receptor in our cells called RXR (retinoid X receptor).

• Many modern diabetes drugs (such as the thiazolidinediones, or TZDs) work by activating a pair of receptors called PPAR-γ/RXR in fat and muscle cells.
• When this PPAR-γ/RXR pair is switched on, cells:
• Become more sensitive to insulin
• Change how they store fat
• Improve glucose handling

The paper discusses earlier research showing that synthetic RXR ligands (“rexinoids”) can:

• Improve insulin sensitivity in mice
• Help control blood sugar
• Work synergistically with standard diabetes drugs

The twist: phytanic acid appears to be a natural RXR ligand. In lab studies, it binds to RXR at concentrations similar to what is found naturally in human blood. That raises an intriguing possibility: phytanic acid may act as a natural “rexinoid” in the body.

How Could This Affect Blood Sugar?

The hypothesis goes like this:

1. Phytanic acid activates RXR.
2. RXR partners with PPAR-γ in fat and muscle cells.
3. This PPAR-γ/RXR pair improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
4. Therefore, enough phytanic acid might support healthier blood sugar control.

The author also compares phytanic acid to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), another fatty acid found in dairy and beef fat:

• CLA can activate PPAR-γ and improve glucose tolerance in diabetic rats.
• Both CLA and phytanic acid can activate PPAR-α, which controls peroxisomal fat burning in the liver.
• Together, they might send a strong “metabolic reset” signal via these nuclear receptors.

But — importantly — this is largely theoretical. The paper calls for more research; it does not report human trials where phytanic acid cured or treated diabetes.

Where Does Chlorophyll Come In?

Because phytanic acid is derived from phytol, and phytol comes from chlorophyll, the author suggests a potential strategy:

• Intact chlorophyll in humans is poorly converted to phytanic acid — we don’t efficiently cut off the phytol tail in the gut.
• Hydrolysed chlorophyll or free phytol, on the other hand, are absorbed and converted to phytanic acid in the liver in both humans and rodents.

So the speculative idea is that liquid chlorophyll supplements might:

• Be an affordable way to increase phytanic acid levels
• Support RXR activation
• Potentially help with blood sugar control

Again: this is a hypothesis, not a proven treatment.

If you’re simply interested in exploring chlorophyll as part of a general health routine (e.g. for gut or antioxidant support), you might come across liquid options such as does chlorophyll lower blood sugar.

That link does not mean the product is a diabetes treatment — it’s just where you can read more about a high-quality chlorophyll supplement.

Is Phytanic Acid Safe?

Safety is where things get nuanced:

• In peroxisomal disorders (like Refsum’s disease), phytanic acid can build up to extremely high levels and cause serious neurological problems.
• In rodent studies, very high phytanic acid or phytol intake (around 5% of the diet) overwhelms detox pathways and becomes toxic.
• More moderate intakes (0.5–1% of the diet in rodents) are tolerated.

The author suggests that, in people with normal peroxisomal function, moderate daily doses of phytol/phytanic acid could safely raise phytanic acid to levels that meaningfully activate RXR — but emphasises this still needs proper testing.

So for now:

• Absolutely not something to self-experiment with at high doses.
• People with known peroxisomal disorders or unexplained neurological conditions should be especially cautious.

So… Should You Take Chlorophyll for Diabetes?

Short answer: No, not as a diabetes treatment.

What this paper gives us is:

• A very interesting mechanistic theory about a chlorophyll-derived fatty acid and how it may interact with nuclear receptors involved in glucose control.
• A reason to explore whether chlorophyll metabolites (like phytanic acid) might help support metabolic health in the future.

What it does not give us is:

• Human trials showing that phytanic acid or chlorophyll supplements prevent or treat diabetes
• Safe, evidence-based dosing guidelines
• A replacement for diet, exercise, weight management, or medication

If you’re curious about chlorophyll for general wellness, it can certainly be part of a nutrient-rich lifestyle, especially alongside leafy greens, fibre, movement, and good sleep. But anything to do with diabetes management should be discussed with your doctor.

Final Thoughts

• Phytanic acid is a natural metabolite of chlorophyll that can activate RXR, a key nuclear receptor involved in blood sugar control.
• It may act like a natural rexinoid, potentially complementing known diabetes pathways in theory.
• So far, this is hypothesis-level science, not a treatment guideline.

If you’re managing diabetes or pre-diabetes, the most powerful tools you have right now are still:

• A whole-food diet
• Regular physical activity
• Blood sugar monitoring
• Evidence-based medication where indicated
• Ongoing support from your health practitioner

Brought to you by Wonder Foods.