Chlorella

What is it?

Chlorella is a type of freshwater green algae, known for its high nutrient content and potential health benefits. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Chlorella works through its high nutrient density, including a significant amount of protein, vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin C), minerals (such as iron and magnesium), chlorophyll, and antioxidants. These components contribute to its detoxifying, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties, which can support overall health and wellness.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredients in chlorella include:

• Chlorophyll: Known for its detoxifying properties.
• Beta-carotene: A precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant benefits.
• Protein: High-quality, complete protein source.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Particularly B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
• Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF): A unique complex of nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, and polysaccharides.

What forms does it come in?

• Powder
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Extracts

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

There is no specific deficiency associated with chlorella itself. However, a lack of nutrients found in chlorella, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, could lead to deficiencies in these essential nutrients, impacting overall health and wellness.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Chlorella was first studied for its nutritional properties in the early 20th century. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a potential solution for global food shortages due to its high nutrient content and ease of cultivation.

What does Chlorella help with?

Chlorella is a tiny green algae that grows in fresh water. Each cell is packed with protein, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. Japan grew it as a food crop after World War Two.

The overall evidence grade on file is B. The strongest human work looks at cholesterol. Other uses rest on small or early studies, so each one below carries its own grade.

• High cholesterol
  Good evidence — several human trials with matching results. Several human trials gave people chlorella each day. Total cholesterol and LDL, the "bad" kind, went down. Triglycerides improved a little.
  Evidence grade B
• High blood pressure
  Early evidence — a few small human studies. A few human studies found blood pressure went down in people taking chlorella. The drops were modest, but they showed up across the trials. Chlorella holds magnesium, potassium and active peptides, which may relax blood vessels, though trials have not proven that link.
  Evidence grade C
• Clearing heavy metals like mercury and lead
  Early evidence — human studies in exposed groups, measuring blood and urine levels only. Studies looked at people with high mercury exposure. These included frequent fish eaters and dental patients. Those who took chlorella showed lower heavy metal levels in blood and urine, and lab work suggests chlorophyll binds these metals in the gut.
  Evidence grade C
• Blood sugar and insulin resistance
  Early evidence — human studies in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. These studies included people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Fasting blood sugar fell, and markers of insulin sensitivity improved. The fibre in chlorella may slow how fast sugar enters the blood.
  Evidence grade C
• A weak or slow immune system
  Early evidence — human trials that measured immune cell activity, not illness. In human trials, immune cell activity rose in people taking chlorella often. The change was clearest in older adults, whose immune response tends to slow. Lab work links this to beta-glucans and CGF, which appear to wake up natural killer cells.
  Evidence grade C
• Long-term, low-grade inflammation
  Early evidence — human trials measuring blood markers only. Human trials found lower levels of inflammation markers after steady use. Chlorella carries antioxidants such as chlorophyll, lutein and vitamin C. In lab studies, these mop up free radicals.
  Evidence grade C
• Fatty liver and liver stress
  Early evidence — early human work in fatty liver disease. This work involved people with fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol. Liver enzyme levels, a sign of liver stress, went down. Lab studies point to antioxidant compounds easing the load on liver cells.
  Evidence grade C
• Low energy and ongoing tiredness
  Early evidence — several small human trials in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. People in these small trials had fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. Some reported more energy and better wellbeing while taking chlorella. The iron and B vitamins in it may play a part.
  Evidence grade C
• Filling nutrient gaps on a plant-based diet
  Not yet tested in people — nutrient content only; no human trial on file. Chlorella is one of few plant foods with real amounts of vitamin B12, iron, zinc and complete protein. Vegans and vegetarians often run short on these. The file holds no human trial testing whether chlorella fixes a shortfall.
  Evidence grade insufficient

What Chlorella has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows that chlorella raises low vitamin B12 levels or ends a deficiency.
• The immune trials measured cell activity in the blood; they did not show fewer colds or fewer infections.
• The heavy metal studies measured levels in blood and urine; they did not show better health or fewer symptoms.
• The liver studies measured enzyme markers; they did not show that fatty liver disease got better over the long term.
• The file holds no human study of chlorella for weight loss.
• Nothing on file shows that chlorella can take the place of cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes medicine.

How to read this:

The grades show how strong the human evidence is, not how well chlorella works. A means many matching trials in people. B means at least one good trial in people. C means small, mixed or early human studies. Insufficient means no human study on file. The file does not list trial sizes, doses or journals for this remedy, so none appear here. This page sets out options and findings, not advice. Talk with your own clinician before you start, above all if you take medicine or are pregnant.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Chlorella can help prevent:

1. Nutrient Deficiencies: Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Oxidative Stress: Antioxidant properties combat oxidative damage.
3. Cardiovascular Disease: Supports heart health by improving lipid profiles and blood pressure.
4. Chronic Inflammation: Reduces markers of inflammation.
5. Age-related Macular Degeneration: Beta-carotene and other nutrients support eye health.
6. Immune Decline: Boosts immune function to prevent infections.
7. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Promotes a healthy gut environment.
8. Anemia: Prevents iron deficiency anemia.
9. Fatigue: Prevents nutrient-related fatigue.
10. Cognitive Decline: Nutrients support brain health and cognitive function.

Which foods are rich in it?

Chlorella is a standalone supplement and is not typically found in common foods. However, similar green algae, such as spirulina, can provide some overlapping benefits.

What are possible side effects?

Chlorella is generally well-tolerated, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%)
• Green discoloration of stool
• Gastrointestinal upset (e.g., gas, bloating, diarrhea)
• Less Common (1-10%)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
• Rare (<1%)
• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of chlorella for adults typically ranges from 2 to 5 grams, divided into smaller doses throughout the day.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits of chlorella, such as improved digestion and increased energy, may be noticeable within a few days to a week. Long-term benefits, like improved cholesterol levels and immune function, may take several weeks to months to become apparent.

What time of day is best to take it?

Chlorella can be taken at any time of day. It is often recommended to split the dosage into two or three smaller doses taken with meals.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

It is best to take chlorella with food to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.