chlorella

Chlorella is a type of green algae used as a nutritional and dietary supplement. Several species of Chlorella are commercially cultivated, harvested, processed, and sold over the counter (OTC) as tablets and liquid extracts.

Chlorella contains macronutrients, micronutrients, antioxidants, pigments, and other bioactive substances beneficial to health. It is used for treating ailments such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chlorella is a rich source of proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, and dietary fiber. It provides all the necessary vitamins, including ample amounts of vitamins D2 and B12, which are absent in plants, making it a good source for those who don’t consume meat. Additionally, chlorella contains essential minerals like iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorous, and selenium.

Taking chlorella can protect against diseases and reduce their severity due to its nutritional value. It is believed to have antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and may lower blood pressure, blood fats, and blood sugar levels. While chlorella is claimed to be beneficial for various conditions, most of its uses lack solid scientific evidence.

Therapeutic uses of chlorella include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High blood fat levels (hyperlipidemia)
• High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Liver protection
• Drug/toxin detoxification
• Protection against toxic metals
• Reducing side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Stimulating the immune system
• Enhancing general health and nutrition
• Cancer prevention
• Improving response to the flu vaccine
• Preventing common colds
• Slowing the aging process
• Alleviating depression
• Relieving menstrual cramps

What are the side effects of chlorella?

Warnings

Do not take chlorella if you are hypersensitive to its components or have a tendency for allergic reactions. People allergic to molds may also be allergic to chlorella.

Avoid chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Chlorella is rich in vitamin K, which is involved in the blood clotting process and may reduce the effect of blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Use with caution.

Common side effects of chlorella include:

• Diarrhea
• Green color stools
• Stomach cramping
• Nausea
• Gas (flatulence)
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Allergic reactions including asthma and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms or serious side effects:

• Serious heart symptoms, such as fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms, like blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from using chlorella. Contact your doctor for medical advice or report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

QUESTION

What are the dosages of chlorella?

The dose of chlorella is not standardized. Suggested dosages can vary depending on the product. Dried chlorella can contain anywhere from 7% to 88% protein, 6% to 38% carbohydrates, and 7% to 75% fat. Check the manufacturer’s label for recommended dosages.

Suggested dosage:

• 10 g tablets orally plus 100 mL liquid extract once a day

Increased chemo/radiation tolerability in patients with brain tumors

• Up to 20 g orally once a day plus 150 mL liquid extract

Overdose

• No reports of chlorella overdose exist. In the event of an overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control.

What drugs interact with chlorella?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking to check for possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Chlorella has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions may occur, including with antithrombin alfa, antithrombin III, argatroban, bemiparin, bivalirudin, dabigatran, dalteparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux, heparin, phenindione, and protamine.

The list above does not comprise all possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

Always inform your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including their dosages, and keep a list of this information. If you have any questions regarding your medication, consult your doctor or health care provider.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• There is insufficient reliable information on the safety of chlorella during pregnancy. Avoid use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement, including chlorella, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What else should I know about chlorella?

• Chlorella supplements are generally safe for most adults when taken orally in recommended doses for a short period.
• Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement, including chlorella products.
• Herbal products often contain multiple ingredients. Check labels for the components of the chlorella product you choose.
• Chlorella products can vary in composition and formulation due to cultivation, harvest, and processing methods. Nutrient percentages differ from product to product. Follow the specific product’s label instructions for taking chlorella.
• Chlorella is marketed as an herbal supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may have different formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents. Exercise caution when choosing a product.
• Keep chlorella supplements out of reach of children.

Summary

Chlorella is a type of green algae used as a nutritional and dietary supplement. It contains macronutrients, micronutrients, antioxidants, pigments, and other beneficial bioactive substances. Chlorella is used to treat ailments like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Avoid taking chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Common side effects include diarrhea, green color stools, stomach cramping, nausea, gas (flatulence), skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), allergic reactions, asthma, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).