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