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Chlorella

Introduction

Chlorella is a green algae that grows in fresh water. It is high in vitamins and minerals. It has been used to:

• Slow damage to cells and improve blood flow
• Improve organ function

Chlorella can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea.

Dosages

• 300 milligrams 4 to 5 times daily for slow damage to cells and improve blood flow.
• 4 to 6 grams once daily to improve organ function.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

• Anemia in pregnancy—may reduce the risk of anemia in pregnant women^C1 
• Depression—may reduce physical symptoms and ease feelings of anxiety^E1 
• High blood pressure—may lower blood pressure when used with standard treatment^A1 
• High cholesterol—may lower total cholesterol and triglycerides when used with standard treatment^D1 
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—may improve liver function and lower triglycerides when used with standard treatment^{B1, B2} 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take chlorella in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References [ + ]

A. Hypertension

A1. Shimada M. Hasegawa T, et al. Anti-hypertensive effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich Chlorella on high-normal blood pressure and borderline hypertension in placebo-controlled double blind study. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2009;31(4):342-354.

B. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

B1. Panahi Y, Chamarchereh ME, et al. Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial. Hepatogastroenterology 2012;59(119):2099-2103.

B2. Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Sadeghi Z, et al. Glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Beneficial effects of supplementation with microalgae Chlorella vulgaris: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr. 2017;36(4):1001-1006.

C. Pregnancy

C1. Nakano S, Takekoshi H, Nakano M. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2010 Mar;65(1):25-30.

D. Hypercholesterolemia

D1. Ryu NH, Lim Y, et al. Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. 2014;13:57.

E. Depression

E1. Panahi Y, Badeli R, et al. A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(4):598-602.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 3/2/2019

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