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 extract
6 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 extract
9 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 metals
12 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 potassium
15 and is a valuable source of gamma-linolenic acid.
16 Studies have also suggested that spirulina may help fight allergies
17 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 function40,41 —
Because chlorella can combat oxidative stress, this supplement may not
just enhance brain function, but also reduce risk for cognitive
decline.42
- Promote better metabolism43,44 — 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 algae
57 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 K
60 and B12, iron and folate.
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