Authentic composition of in vivo absorbed copper chlorophyllins using a mice model

Copper chlorophyllin is authorized almost worldwide and among the green food colorants it is the most consumed. Despite its high consumption, only a few hints of its distribution have been addressed. Previous research has demonstrated that the structure of other chlorophylls is essential for the vivo absorption in mammals. Therefore, the purpose is to take advantage of modern and more accurate equipment to tackle the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of copper-chlorophyllins in mammalian tissues. Twenty-four Mus musculus C57BL/6 individuals (12 females and 12 males) were divided into control (eight individuals) and copper-chlorophyllin supplemented diet groups (sixteen individuals) for six weeks. Serum, feces, and urine samples were collected weekly, while livers were gathered in weeks three and six. The main chlorophyll identified in the serum of mammals has been re-identified in the present short-term study, showing the authentic structure. In addition, it has been demonstrated that a new putative copper-chlorophyllin structure also accumulates in mammals' serum and liver. Therefore, in contrast to other chlorophyll compounds, the serum of mammals is a target for copper-chlorophyllins availability in systemic circulation. The integrated study of copper-chlorophylls fate in mammalian tissues has unveiled that copper chelation is preserved in chlorophyllin structure during the in vivo metabolism, in contrast to the previous hypothesis. The first quantification of the copper-chlorophyllins distributed through different organs, serum, and urine points to an active and specific copper-chlorophyllin metabolism in mammals. Considering the results, two main biochemical pathways are proposed as plausible options to explain their metabolism in mammals.