Chlorella - NutraPedia

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Chlorella Overview

1) Studied Conditions

Chlorella has been studied for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Improving immune system function
  • Detoxification of heavy metals
  • Reducing high blood pressure
  • Lowering cholesterol levels
  • Enhancing aerobic endurance
  • Managing respiratory diseases
  • Reducing the severity of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of chlorella in treating these conditions is mixed and often requires further research. Some small studies have shown benefits in lowering cholesterol and improving immune function, while other claims lack substantial scientific backing. It is important to consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.

3) Health Benefits

Chlorella is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which may confer various health benefits:

  • Boosting immune system function
  • Improving digestion and bowel function
  • Detoxifying heavy metals and other harmful compounds
  • Supporting weight loss
  • Enhancing skin health

4) Potential Downsides

There are some downsides associated with chlorella:

  • It may cause side effects such as gas, cramping, or diarrhea.
  • Individuals with iodine sensitivity should be cautious due to its iodine content.
  • Chlorella from contaminated sources can introduce toxins into the body.
  • It may interact with certain medications, such as immunosuppressants or blood thinners.

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

Research into the effects of chlorella on specific genetic variations is limited. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that chlorella is particularly beneficial or harmful for specific genetic variations. As with any supplement, responses can vary widely among individuals due to genetic differences.

Chlorella: A Nutrient Powerhouse and Its Health Impacts

Chlorella, a type of green algae, has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits. Research has demonstrated that Chlorella tablets are a rich source of vitamin B12, containing between 200.9 and 285.7 micrograms per 100 grams of dry weight. This form of vitamin B12 has been shown to be bioavailable and can improve vitamin B12 status in mammals, making it a viable supplement, particularly for vegetarians.

The alga has also been investigated for its role in detoxification. It has been found to suppress the transfer of methylmercury to fetuses during pregnancy and to reduce mercury accumulation in the mother's brain, suggesting possible benefits for pregnant women. Moreover, studies have indicated that Chlorella can enhance the excretion of methylmercury, helping to lower its presence in tissues.

Chlorella's impact on the immune system has been noted, with findings suggesting that its supplementation may boost salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels, enhancing mucosal immunity. Additionally, Chlorella supplementation in pregnant women has been associated with lower levels of dioxins in breast milk and higher concentrations of SIgA, potentially offering protection to nursing infants.

In terms of cardiovascular and metabolic health, Chlorella has shown potential in reducing body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels. It has also been linked to improved plasma antioxidant nutrient status and activities of antioxidant enzymes in smokers. Furthermore, GABA-rich Chlorella is suggested to have anti-hypertensive effects, particularly in individuals with borderline hypertension.

Finally, Chlorella's nutritional richness, including folate, iron, and vitamin B12, has been suggested to prevent anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in pregnant women and to potentially alleviate symptoms for patients with fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

The body of research indicates that Chlorella is not only a valuable source of essential nutrients but also possesses detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. Its supplementation might offer various health benefits, particularly for those at risk of certain deficiencies and conditions, and could be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet.

References:


  1. Characterization of a vitamin B12 compound in the edible purple laver, Porphyra yezoensis
  2. Feeding dried purple laver (nori) to vitamin B12-deficient rats significantly improves vitamin B12 status
  3. Characterization of a vitamin B12 compound from unicellular coccolithophorid alga (Pleurochrysis carterae)
  4. Vitamin B-12 status of long-term adherents of a strict uncooked vegan diet ("living food diet") is compromised
  5. Rapid, colorimetric quantification of lipid from algal cultures
  6. Changes in fatty acid composition of Chlorella vulgaris by hypochlorous acid
  7. Amino acid composition of algal products and its contribution to RDI
  8. Purification and characterization of a corrinoid compound from Chlorella tablets as an algal health food
  9. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae
  10. Chlorella suppresses methylmercury transfer to the fetus in pregnant mice
  11. Inhibitory effects of herbal extracts on breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and structure-inhibitory potency relationship of isoflavonoids
  12. Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals
  13. Effects of arsenate (AS5+) on growth and production of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCS) in Chlorella vulgaris
  14. The biouptake and toxicity of arsenic species on the green microalga Chlorella salina in seawater
  15. Accumulation, subcellular distribution and toxicity of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in marine phytoplankton
  16. Enhanced elimination of tissue methylmercury in Parachlorella beijerinckii-fed mice
  17. The influence of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5 on the absorption and excretion of methylmercury (MeHg) in mice
  18. Prevalence of anemia among healthy women in 2 metropolitan areas of Japan
  19. Effect of chlorella on rats with iron deficient anemia
  20. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women
  21. Anti-hypertensive effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich Chlorella on high-normal blood pressure and borderline hypertension in placebo-controlled double blind study
  22. Six-week supplementation with Chlorella has favorable impact on antioxidant status in Korean male smokers
  23. Preventive effects of Chlorella on cognitive decline in age-dependent dementia model mice
  24. Nutrigenomic studies of effects of Chlorella on subjects with high-risk factors for lifestyle-related disease
  25. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study
  26. A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis
  27. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study
  28. IgA and mucosal defense
  29. Effect of moderate exercise on salivary immunoglobulin A and infection risk in humans
  30. Salivary IgA levels and infection risk in elite swimmers
  31. Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplementation decreases dioxin and increases immunoglobulin a concentrations in breast milk
  32. Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
  33. Biotransformation and bioconcentration of steroid estrogens by Chlorella vulgaris
  34. [Photodegradation of 17beta-estradiol induced by Chlorella vulgaris]
  35. Biodegradation of bisphenol A and disappearance of its estrogenic activity by the green alga Chlorella fusca var. vacuolata


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