Chlorogenic acid

Chlorogenic acid is an antioxidant and phenolic compound, which, in ways that are not yet fully clear, can modulate and/or suppress the immune response. The effect of chlorogenic acid and genistein on the immune system is dose-dependent. Consumption of foods containing these substances by Marshall Protocol (MP) patients is not prohibited, however, MP patients are advised to exercise moderation when consuming foods and drinks high in chlorogenic acid.

The quantity of chlorogenic acid in most plants is miniscule. However, a few types of plants accumulate chlorogenic acid, especially in the skin, in quantities sufficient to have a physiological effect on individuals who consume them. These foods include:

(High content)
* coffee
* sunflower seeds
* tea
* blueberries

(Lower content, but still higher than most other foods)
* Chinese parsley
* potatoes
* tomatoes
* apples
* pears
* tobacco
* eggplant 

MP patients should avoid juicing, which greatly concentrates substances in fruits, to prevent ingesting too much chlorogenic acid and other phytochemicals.

The primary dietary sources of chlorogenic acid are coffee and tea¹, both caffeinated and decaffeinated. Green coffee beans typically contain 6-7% of this component (range: 4-10%); roasted coffee beans contain somewhat less, as the roasting transforms chlorogenic acid into other molecules, which may still retain the same functions as chlorogenic acid.

MP patients should limit their daily coffee consumption to no more than two cups per day.

If consuming any food results in intolerable symptoms, such as migraine headache or gastric upset, chlorogenic acid content or another substance in the food may be the cause.

Following an elimination diet can help a MP patient determine which foods to avoid in order to maintain tolerable symptoms while on the MP. Many symptoms suggestive of food sensitivity may also be due to immunopathology. Food sensitivites should resolve as the MP resolves Th1 inflammation.

• Chlorogenic acid and other things that affect immunopathology – discussion on the Marshall Protocol online forum led by Joyce Waterhouse, PhD