Chlorella
Detox · Single-cell algae
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Chlorella as C (4.7/10) based on weak evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Morita 1999 Japanese breast-milk study is the cornerstone of 'chlorella clears toxins' claims.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 2-3 g/day PO divided with meals — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Morita 1999 Japanese breast-milk study is the cornerstone of 'chlorella clears toxins' claims. Cell wall breakage (CGF vs standard) affects bioavailability. Contaminant levels vary; Japanese and Korean products with documented heavy-metal testing appear in the market, but country of origin alone does not establish quality. Vitamin K content matters for warfarin users.
Mechanism
Green alga high in chlorophyll; proposed binding of dioxins, methylmercury, other lipophilic toxins in the GI tract; interrupts enterohepatic circulation of bile-excreted contaminants
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
2-3 g/day PO divided with meals
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Chlorella's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Chlorella as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C (4.7/10). Morita 1999 Japanese breast-milk study is the cornerstone of 'chlorella clears toxins' claims.
- What safety findings are reported for Chlorella?
- Chlorella has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (GI upset; iodine content significant — caution with thyroid issues; vitamin K content — anticoagulant interaction; heavy metal contamination concerns with cheap products — sourcing matters) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Chlorella?
- 2-3 g/day PO divided with meals This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Chlorella work?
- Green alga high in chlorophyll; proposed binding of dioxins, methylmercury, other lipophilic toxins in the GI tract; interrupts enterohepatic circulation of bile-excreted contaminants
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.