Chlorella is often promoted as the perfect food, and claims about its health benefits abound. It is a natural nutrient, providing vitamins, minerals, protein and chlorophyll. And research shows some promise for its antioxidant and wound-healing abilities. But many of the claims remain unsupported by scientific evidence.
Definition
Chlorella, also known by the scientific name Chlorella pyrenoidosa, is a single-celled green alga that grows in fresh water and is cultivated as a nutritional supplement. The way in which it is processed influences its nutritional value because the cell walls must be crushed before the nutrients can be properly digested.
Constituents
Chlorella contains a high amount of chlorophyll, notes the American Cancer Society. Chlorophyll gives plants, including algae, their green color and is essential for the process of photosynthesis. Its structure is similar to human hemoglobin, but it contains magnesium rather than iron. Chlorophyll may bond with chemicals that cause cancer and reduce their effect in the body, but more research is needed, states the Linus Pauling Institute. A semi-synthetic compound derived from chlorophyll, called chlorophyllin, is one of several active ingredients in a treatment shown to improve wound healing in the September 2007 issue of "Wound Repair and Regeneration."
In addition to chlorophyll, chlorella contains antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and carotenoids, B-complex vitamins and is high in protein, states the ACS. One manufacturer of chlorella supplements states that the algae is 60 percent protein and a good source of the amino acid arginine, which helps blood vessels dilate and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Uses
Chlorella is promoted as a dietary supplement that helps maintain healthy blood pressure, lower cholesterol, heal wounds and improve the immune system. Claims also exist for its ability to cleanse the body and treat many diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. Researchers continue to study chlorella’s health benefits, but no scientific evidence exists to support these claims.
Sources
Produced in the form of tablets, powder and liquid, chlorella is widely available from a variety of manufacturers. Be aware that the FDA does not regulate supplements, so tests to confirm safety and effectiveness are the responsibility of the manufacturer. This also means that the ingredients may be quite different from one product to the next. The ACS warns that some companies advertise that chlorella kills cancer cells and reverses aging, but research does not support these claims.
Considerations
No side effects have been reported from chlorella and natural chlorophylls are not known to be toxic. However, the ACS states that research has not been conducted to learn whether long-term use may cause side effects. Since chlorophyll is not an essential nutrient, guidelines for recommended daily intake do not exist.
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