Is Chlorella Really the Nutrient Powerhouse It's Claimed to Be?

Chlorella is part of a group called microalgae—single-celled organisms that thrive in freshwater environments. Chlorella algae contain an impressive range of valuable nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds like carotenoids. So, what exactly does this mean for your health? Let’s dive into the details.

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a freshwater algae found worldwide. It’s so small that it’s invisible to the naked eye, classifying it as a microalgae. You’ll typically find it available in powder, tablet, or capsule form for consumption. There are 24 known species of chlorella, but chlorella vulgaris is the most commonly used for supplements. Its vibrant green colour comes from its high chlorophyll content—chlorella has more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant.

Chlorella’s cell nucleus is encased in a durable three-layered cell wall made of cellulose.

Chlorella vs Spirulina: Differences and Similarities

Chlorella and Spirulina share many similarities in their available forms—both are sold as powders, tablets, or capsules. While chlorella grows in freshwater, spirulina prefers salty environments. Spirulina also has a bluish tint, which is why it was originally referred to as “blue algae.”

One key difference is their biological classification. Chlorella is an algae, while spirulina is a type of bacteria. Spirulina lacks cell walls, contains less chlorophyll, and tends to have higher iodine levels due to its saltwater habitat. Otherwise, their nutritional profiles are quite similar.

The Health Benefits of Chlorella and Spirulina

Both chlorella and spirulina offer a wealth of nutrients that can support a healthy diet, including:

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• High-quality proteins
• Vitamins like folate, biotin, vitamins A, E, C, K, D, and B12
• Chlorophyll
• Minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
• Carotenoids

Chlorella also contains carbohydrates and fibre in its cell walls. Together, these nutrients can contribute to balanced nutrition. Some studies suggest potential benefits for inflammation, diabetes, heart health, and even enhanced performance, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Is Vitamin B12 from Chlorella Effective?

One of the most discussed aspects of chlorella is its potential as a source of vitamin B12 for vegans. However, several studies indicate that the B12 found in chlorella may not be bioavailable to humans. Food safety authorities in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, caution vegans and vegetarians against relying solely on chlorella or spirulina to meet their vitamin B12 needs.

Chlorella and Detox: Can This Algae Really Cleanse Your Body?

It’s unclear. While it’s well-established that algae can clean bodies of water by binding toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, phosphorus, and nitrogen in their cell walls, there’s less evidence that chlorella works the same way in the human body. Studies on mice and rats have shown chlorella’s detox effects, but there’s still a lack of conclusive evidence that it provides the same benefits for humans.

Chlorella in Your Diet: How to Make the Most of It

Chlorella clearly offers plenty of positive benefits, particularly thanks to its high chlorophyll content, which can help purify the blood. This is another way chlorella may support detoxification. However, the quality and purity of chlorella supplements can vary, depending on where the algae are sourced. To maximise the benefits, it’s important to choose high-quality products from protected, well-regulated cultures.