Health
March 2002

Does it work? BodyMint Deodorant

In the ongoing battle against body odors, the latest weapon works from within:
BodyMint is a deodorant that comes in an over-the-counter pill containing 100 milli-
grams of chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll (the natural compound that makes
plants green). The manufacturer claims that two pills daily keep your whole body odor-
free. The theory: Because Chlorophyll is a binding agent, it may absorb odor molecules.
But can you really swallow a sweeter smell? Beyond preliminary tests conducted by the
company, there is no scientific proof that the pills work. And 99 percent of body odor is
caused by bacteria on the skin’s surface, so it’s unclear how an oral pill could kill them,
says Robert Brodell, M.D., head of dermatology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College
of Medicine. “That doesn’t mean it can’t work, but I’m skeptical.” And at $20 for 60 pills
(available at www.bodymint.com), it could be an expensive gamble—unless you have a
serious problem and have exhausted your options.