Chlorella powder comes from a species of algae and is used as a nutritional or medicinal supplement in naturopathic medicine. You might benefit from taking chlorella powder if you have fibromyalgia, as well as cancer, certain viral infections, allergies or other medical conditions. Before you begin taking chlorella powder, consult your doctor to discuss the possible health dangers and correct dosage.
Identification
Chlorella is a type of freshwater blue-green algae. The species Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa are most commonly used in medicinal remedies, according to the American Cancer Society. It's most popular as a health supplement in Japan. Spirulina supplements often contain chlorella, among other types of blue-green algae, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to powder, you can get chlorella supplements in the form of liquid extracts and tablets.
Function
Like other types of blue-green algae, chlorella is rich in protein, B-complex vitamins like vitamin B12, beta-carotene and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), as well as minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Chlorella also contains high levels of chlorophyll, the green pigment substance involved in photosynthesis, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Although chlorophyll isn't considered an essential nutrient, it may have some specific health benefits for certain people. In naturopathic medicine, chlorella is believed to provide antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immune system-enhancing, blood pressure-lowering, anticancer, anti-diabetic and cholesterol-reducing actions, according to the American Cancer Society. Chlorella might also elevate levels of albumin, a protein in your blood that could protect against a variety of chronic diseases.
Effects
Chlorella could help treat fibromyalgia and prevent or support the treatment of cancer, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A small double-blind clinical trial found that a Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplement helped in treating fibromyalgia, according to a 2001 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine." Specifically, the chlorophyll in chlorella might prevent side effects from chemotherapy, notes the University of Michigan Health System. The scientific evidence for chlorella's use in treating cancer and fibromyalgia is highly preliminary at best, however.
Potential
Chlorella may have the potential to help treat constipation and halitosis, or bad breath, says the University of Michigan Health System. Many types of blue-green algae, including chlorella, could possibly treat allergies, herpes infections, HIV and hives, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Other suggested uses for chlorella, spirulina and other types of blue-green algae include promoting weight loss, protecting the liver and lowering cholesterol. No conclusive medical research supports the use of chlorella for any of these health purposes, however.
Warning
Although no serious adverse effects are known, aside from a potential allergic reaction in rare cases, no conclusive safety testing in humans has been performed on chlorella either, warns the American Cancer Society. Like other types of blue-green algae, chlorella could contain microcystins and other toxins absorbed from contaminated water, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Blue-green algae can absorb toxins, specifically toxic heavy metals like mercury, from their environment, so consuming large amounts of chlorella may potentially cause adverse health effects.
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