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.
Typical use: 2-3 g/day PO divided with meals — OTC.
What this is
Morita 1999 Japanese breast-milk study is the cornerstone of 'chlorella clears toxins' claims. Cell wall breakage (CGF vs standard) affects bioavailability. Cheap products can be contaminated — look for Japanese or Korean sources with heavy metal testing. 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
Dose & route
2-3 g/day PO divided with meals
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10553678/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019040/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144646/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Chlorella work?
- 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.
- Is Chlorella safe?
- Chlorella has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Chlorella?
- 2-3 g/day PO divided with meals
- 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.