Chlorella: What are its benefits and uses?

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked

July 27, 2019

Story at-a-glance

Chlorella mainly comes from a single-celled freshwater algae called Chlorella vulgaris, and can be purchased as powder, supplement or liquid extract
Some studies have shown that chlorella may be useful in detoxification, improving immune system health, regulating blood pressure levels and combating effects of oxidative stress
If you plan on taking chlorella, do so slowly, because it may take some time for your body to adjust to this microalgae

Table of Contents

You may have heard about chlorella because it’s being added to various health products. Its name is derived from a combination of two Greek words: "chloros" (green) and "ella" (small).¹ If you’re curious about what chlorella actually is and how you can use it to your advantage, keep reading this article.

What is chlorella supplement?

Chlorella is sourced from a single-celled freshwater algae called Chlorella vulgaris.^2,³ Manufacturers typically process the chlorella to break down its cell walls so its nutrients will become available.^4,⁵ One particular substance that can be derived from this microalgae is a water-soluble extract⁶ called chlorella growth factor or CGF,⁷ which contains amino acids, peptides, vitamins and minerals.⁸
The algae often used to make chlorella powder, tablets or liquid extract⁹ is grown in farms in Japan or Taiwan.¹⁰ However, take note that chlorella shouldn’t be confused with spirulina. While both are algae, they differ in color. Chlorella is green, while spirulina has a blue-green hue.¹¹
Chlorella mainly binds to heavy metals¹² and helps detox the body,¹³ while also providing other benefits (more of this to come later). Meanwhile, spirulina is a “complete protein”¹⁴ that possesses minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium¹⁵ and is a valuable source of gamma-linolenic acid.¹⁶ Studies have also suggested that spirulina may help fight allergies¹⁷ and boost immunity.¹⁸

Health benefits of chlorella

Chlorella has been labeled a "superfood"¹⁹ because it contains these vital nutrients:

Chlorophyll²⁰ — It may aid in protecting your body against infections,²¹ alleviating constipation,²² promoting optimal blood pressure levels,²³ cleansing your liver and your blood and removing molds.²⁴
Antioxidants such as lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and zeta-tocopherol — Chlorella extract may promote free radical-scavenging capabilities in rats induced with a chemical called naphthalene, according to results of this 2007 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry animal study.²⁵
Other nutrients — Chlorella is home to essential nutrients such as vitamin K,²⁶ vitamin B12, folate, iron,²⁷ omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides and proteins.²⁸

Extensive research has also linked chlorella to multiple health benefits. This microalgae may help:

Detoxify the body — Studies have shown that chlorella may help eliminate heavy metals and pathogens from your body.^29,³⁰
Boost the immune system³¹ — Chlorella supplements may help reduce the risk for immune system disorders and improve immune system function.³²
Improve quality of life among people diagnosed with breast cancer — Subjects with breast cancer who took chlorella and chlorella extract experienced less instances of fatigue and noticed improvements to dry skin.³³
Normalize blood sugar levels³⁴ — Chlorella supplements were effective in addressing insulin sensitivity among rat subjects, which shows its potential in improving blood sugar levels among people struggling with insulin resistance.³⁵
Regulate blood pressure levels — Chlorella supplements are abundant in the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which assists in lowering high to normal blood pressure levels in study subjects.³⁶
Manage cholesterol levels — In a 2014 Nutrition Journal article, researchers found out that chlorella supplements helped decrease triglyceride and total cholesterol levels among subjects with hypercholesterolemia.³⁷
Counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress³⁸ — Chlorella extract helped protect rats’ bodies against liver injuries and other oxidative stress-induced changes in the body.³⁹
Contribute to healthy brain function^40,41 — Because chlorella can combat oxidative stress, this supplement may not just enhance brain function, but also reduce risk for cognitive decline.⁴²
Promote better metabolism^43,⁴⁴ — Chlorella may prompt changes to genes that influence your insulin signaling and how fat is metabolized in your body.⁴⁵

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What else is chlorella used for?

According to WebMD, chlorella may be recommended to stimulate good bacteria production within your gut, and possibly assist in addressing skin lesions,⁴⁶ ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease). Chlorella may also help:⁴⁷

Reduce risk for adverse effects caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Increase amounts of white blood cells in people with HIV or cancer
Address premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and ease fibromyalgia
Combat bad breath
Alleviate inflammation that may be a precursor for asthma attacks⁴⁸

Studies on chlorella

Chlorella has been the subject of various studies for many years, and researchers concluded that it may be useful against certain diseases or conditions, such as:

Liver cancer — A 2009 Journal of Zhejiang University Science B study revealed that chlorella vulgaris extract inhibited the development of tumors and triggered apoptosis or cell death in liver cancer-induced rats.⁴⁹
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 — A 2013 study found that people with chronic hepatitis C infection were able to tolerate chlorella supplements and had decreased ALT liver enzyme levels.⁵⁰
Digestive disorders like diarrhea — In this February 2017 Animal article, chlorella and spirulina supplements led to good intestinal health among weaned piglets, helping alleviate digestive issues like diarrhea.⁵¹

What to look for in a chlorella supplement

If you want to take chlorella supplements, make sure that it is broken cell wall chlorella, since this type of product is the only form that allows your body to reap this algae’s nutrients. Ideally, purchase chlorella supplements produced by a trustworthy manufacturer, and ensure that:

It’s labeled as broken cell wall chlorella (so it can be digested properly).
It’s organic and doesn’t contain synthetic ingredients.
The product was extensively tested for its quality.

Chlorella side effects to watch out for

When taking any form of chlorella for the first time, do it gradually. Even if you believe you’re healthy, you need to start the process slowly because taking chlorella supplements can make you feel slightly unwell. Minor side effects that may occur include:⁵²

Diarrhea
Nausea
Gas
Stomach cramping
Green color in bowel movements
Sensitivity to the sun — This can be alleviated by restricting your time in the sun to a few minutes at a time, and by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and light clothing with sleeves whenever you go out.

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop breathing problems or allergic reactions after taking chlorella supplements.⁵³ WebMD further advises avoiding chlorella, unless approved by your physician, if you are:⁵⁴

Pregnant or breastfeeding
Taking anticoagulant medicines like warfarin, as chlorella’s vitamin K content may reduce their effect⁵⁵
Dealing with a compromised immune system, since chlorella may increase the amounts of bad bacteria in your gut and trigger reactions
Sensitive to iodine, an element found in chlorella. It can trigger an allergic reaction
Allergic to mold

On a final note, remember that chlorella may contain iron.⁵⁶ While levels of this mineral in women aren't usually problematic because menstrual cycles cause frequent iron loss, excessive quantities are usually found in men and postmenopausal women. This may lead to health problems like iron overload, meaning you need to regularly monitor your blood iron stores, particularly your serum ferritin and GGT levels. Take note of the following ideal amounts:

Ferritin — 30 to 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 75 to 100 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) for adult men and non-menstruating women
GGT — Below 16 units per liter (U/L) for men, or below 9 U/L for women

If your iron levels are higher than the ideal recommendations, this may be problematic and should be addressed by either foregoing chlorella supplementation or by undergoing blood donations two to three times a year or via regular phlebotomies.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about chlorella

Q: Is chlorella a microalgae?

A: Yes. Chlorella is sourced from a single-celled water algae⁵⁷ that’s typically grown in Japan and in Taiwan.⁵⁸

Q: How does chlorella reproduce?

A: This type of algae undergoes asexual reproduction. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, chlorella reproduction occurs when autospores or nonmotile reproductive cells breach into a “mother cell.”⁵⁹

Q: What are the vitamins and minerals found in chlorella?

A: Chlorella contains vitamin K⁶⁰ and B12, iron and folate.⁶¹

+ Sources and References

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Saturday, July 27, 2019