Superfood
Chlorella
Also known as: Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Broken cell wall chlorella, Green algae
Chlorella is a nutrient-dense freshwater green algae containing protein, B vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. Evidence for specific health benefits remains limited, though it may support detoxification and overall nutritional intake.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Chlorella product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NOW Foods Certified Organic Chlorella | 87 A | $0.47 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Chlorella | 87 A | $0.42 |
| 3 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW D3 | 85 A- | $0.39 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack | 83 A- | $7.55 |
| 5 | Complement Daily Greens by Complement | 80 A- | $1.63 |
| 6 | Nutricost Chlorella Capsules | 80 A- | $0.08 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Detox Pure Pack | 77 B+ | $2.83 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations HM Complex | 77 B+ | $1.83 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Liver-G.I. Detox | 75 B+ | $1.17 |
| 10 | Codeage Raw Vitamin D3+ | 74 B+ | $0.42 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Chlorella should I take?
The typical range is 2-10g daily. Safe long-term
When should I take Chlorella?
With meals. Yes.
Which form of Chlorella is best?
Broken cell wall tablets — Better digestibility. Other forms in the catalog: Powder, Capsules, Tablets.
Is Chlorella safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset initially, Green stools, Gas. Serious warnings: Start low - detox symptoms possible. May support liver detox
Which Chlorella supplement scores highest?
NOW Foods Certified Organic Chlorella, at 87/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Heavy metal binding
- Detoxification
- Nutrient-dense
- Gut health
- Nutrient density
- Immune support
- Nutritional supplementation
- General wellness
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Chlorella reached a verdict on: 9 with a benefit, 2 with no effect, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (9)
“significantly improved in TTE (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.16-1.96)” PMID 42075102
“CK concentrations were significantly reduced (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.28 to -0.28).” PMID 42075102
“C. vulgaris supplementation demonstrated significant reductions in weight (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD]= -1.62, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -2.24, -1.00)” PMID 41652544
“fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD= -6.25, 95% CI: -9.02, -3.47)” PMID 41652544 · 2 reviews
“high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (WMD= -1.02, 95% CI: -1.84, -0.19)” PMID 41652544
“alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (WMD= -14.84, 95% CI: -27.81, -1.87), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD= -4.99, 95% CI: -7.26, -2.71).” PMID 41652544
and 3 more.
Reviews found no effect (2)
“We found that Chlorella vulgaris supplementation had a beneficial effect on TC and LDL-C levels with no significant effect on TG and HDL-C levels.” PMID 35331862
“the changes in TG, HDL-C, and BMI were not satisfactory.” PMID 29037431
Not enough to say: gut microbiota composition; ldl cholesterol; anthropometric indices.
How it works
- High chlorophyll content
- Binds heavy metals
- Complete protein
- Growth factor (CGF)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 2-10g daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Detox support, nutrient density
Forms
- Broken cell wall tablets
- Powder
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset initially
- Green stools
- Gas
Contraindications
- Iodine sensitivity
- Autoimmune conditions (immune stimulating)
Products containing Chlorella
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Chlorella on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional use with research on detox and nutrient content
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Chlorella compared head-to-head
Related in Superfood
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.