Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris)
Freshwater algae with the highest chlorophyll content of any plant — binds heavy metals and supports detoxification pathways.
Chlorella is a single-celled green freshwater algae that has gained popularity for its detoxification properties and nutritional density. It contains chlorophyll (the highest of any known plant), protein, vitamins, minerals, and a unique compound called Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). It's particularly noted for its ability to bind heavy metals and support their elimination from the body, making it popular for detox protocols.
Binds to heavy metals for elimination
Highest chlorophyll content of any plant
Unique nucleotide-peptide complex
How Chlorella works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
3-10g daily
Loading: Start with 1g and increase slowly to minimize detox symptoms
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 🧪Broken cell wall chlorella powder or tablets | Recommended |
| 💊Whole cell chlorella (harder to digest) | Alternative |
| 💊Capsules | Alternative |
Cell wall must be broken for digestibility. Powder works well in smoothies. Tablets are convenient but may be less fresh.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: For heavy metal detox, take away from supplements containing minerals. 'Broken cell wall' chlorella is better absorbed.
Enhanced elimination of heavy metals and toxins
Enhanced immune cell activity
Modest improvements in lipid profile
Can cause gas, cramping, green stool
May help support elimination; work with practitioner
High vitamin K may reduce effectiveness
May stimulate immune function
Tip: Start low; take with food
Tip: Normal effect from high chlorophyll
Tip: Start with very low dose; increase gradually
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Pinto-Leite M et al. • Nutrients (2025)
“Conclusions: Further randomised trials are needed to better assess the potential of these supplements as adjuvants for the control of cardiovascular risk factors.”
Weiner JD et al. • Lupus science & medicine (2025)
“We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.”
Sherafati N et al. • Complementary therapies in medicine (2022)
“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.”
Lowry E et al. • Nutrients (2020)
“Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to recommend any one particular nutritional intervention for the management of fibromyalgia and further research is needed.”
Fallah AA et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2018)
“The results indicated that Chlorella supplementation improved levels of TC, LDL-C, SBP, DBP, and FBG but the changes in TG, HDL-C, and BMI were not satisfactory.”
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