Chlorella
Also known as: Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, green algae
Randomised trials pooled in meta-analyses show small but statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C with Chlorella supplementation, with a dose-response signal for LDL-C up to about 1500 mg/day in one analysis. Other pooled evidence and a later meta-analysis report neutral effects on some cardiometabolic outcomes. Individual RCTs report mixed findings for symptoms of fibromyalgia and for exercise performance: one small crossover trial in trained cyclists (6 g/day) found lower submaximal lactate and heart rate and improved sprint power but no change in time-trial performance.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Chlorella is a single-celled green microalga sold as a dietary supplement. Human trials and meta-analyses report modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol and mixed findings for other outcomes including exercise performance and symptom relief in fibromyalgia.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Not directly established in these abstracts. Proposed mechanisms in the literature include nutrient and antioxidant content of the algae and potential effects on haemoglobin, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, but the provided abstracts report only observed clinical outcomes rather than mechanistic measurements.
Physiological Role
Not established in the provided abstracts beyond reported changes in blood lipids and, in one trial, haemoglobin and exercise-related biomarkers.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
One small trial in trained cyclists using 6 g/day for 21 days reported reduced submaximal lactate and heart rate and higher sprint power and haemoglobin versus placebo; however, no change was seen in time-trial performance or VO2 values. Evidence is limited and mixed.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Not firmly established; some meta-analysis signals for LDL reduction seen up to ~1500 mg/day.
- Optimal Range
- Trial doses vary widely; trials/meta-analyses include doses from ~1.5 g/day up to 6 g/day. One performance trial used 6 g/day for 21 days.
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Tablets or powder used in clinical trials
- Bioavailability
- Not established in the provided abstracts
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established in the provided abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Not well characterised in the provided abstracts
Contraindications
- Not established in the provided abstracts
Drug Interactions
- •Not established in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Not established in the provided abstracts; consult a clinician if pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications
Monitoring
No routine monitoring guidance available from the provided abstracts; follow standard clinical advice for new supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Chlorella typically used or indicated?
Chlorella is most commonly used for: General cardiovascular / lipid support, Antioxidant support, Sports performance adjunct (endurance/sprint), Support for fibromyalgia symptoms (experimental). Not established in the provided abstracts beyond reported changes in blood lipids and, in one trial, haemoglobin and exercise-related biomarkers.
How does Chlorella work?
Not directly established in these abstracts. Proposed mechanisms in the literature include nutrient and antioxidant content of the algae and potential effects on haemoglobin, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, but the provided abstracts report only observed clinical outcomes rather than mechanistic measurements.
What is the recommended dose of Chlorella?
The optimal range is Trial doses vary widely; trials/meta-analyses include doses from ~1.5 g/day up to 6 g/day. One performance trial used 6 g/day for 21 days.. with a minimum effective dose of Not firmly established; some meta-analysis signals for LDL reduction seen up to ~1500 mg/day.. Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Chlorella?
Reported side effects include: Not well characterised in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: No routine monitoring guidance available from the provided abstracts; follow standard clinical advice for new supplements.
Does Chlorella interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not established in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Chlorella?
Chlorella is generally not recommended for: Not established in the provided abstracts; consult a clinician if pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications; and Not established in the provided abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Chlorella?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 64/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs assessing Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on lipid profiles in adults (10 RCTs, n=539).
Dietary Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Best-Evidence Synthesis.
Systematic review of dietary interventions for fibromyalgia including trials of Chlorella; improvements in pain were reported for Chlorella among other interventions but overall evidence quality was limited.
Complementary and alternative medicine in fibromyalgia and related syndromes.
Older systematic review of complementary therapies for fibromyalgia; Chlorella was among single RCTs with positive results noted but overall evidence was limited.
The Role of Chlorella and Spirulina as Adjuvants of Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of Chlorella and Spirulina RCTs on cardiovascular risk factors (searched to Feb 2023).
The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Multiple Indices of Cycling Performance.
Double-blind randomized cross-over trial in 14 trained male cyclists testing 6 g/day Chlorella for 21 days versus placebo.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/chlorella
SuppIndex. (2026). Chlorella: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/chlorella
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
No specific interactions reported in the provided abstracts; trials often used Chlorella alone versus placebo.