Check a pair

Chlorella

Nutrient-dense freshwater algae that supports detoxification, immune function, and provides complete nutrition

Scientific nameChlorella vulgaris/pyrenoidosa FormulaComplex nutrients and chlorophyll Molecular weightVariable biological compounds g/mol CASVarious natural compounds
85 absorption score
8 safety / 10
35 USD per month
5 documented interactions

Check it against something

Evidence level B

Chlorella with:

Compatibility score 78 out of 100
78 out of 100
Works better together Take together — same timing window amplifies the synergy.

Check it against your whole stack →

What it does

mechanism and evidence for each claim

Heavy metal detoxification

Binds and removes heavy metals and toxins from the body

Cell wall components chelate heavy metals facilitating elimination Evidence B-grade 4-12 weeks

Enhanced immune system function

Supports immune response and may reduce infection risk

Rich in nutrients and compounds that modulate immune function Evidence B-grade 2-8 weeks

Complete nutritional support

Provides comprehensive nutrition including protein and vitamins

Nutrient-dense superfood with complete amino acid profile Evidence A-grade Immediate nutritional benefits

Improved energy and vitality

Enhances energy levels and overall vitality

Rich in B vitamins, iron, and chlorophyll supporting energy production Evidence C-grade 2-6 weeks

Digestive and gut health support

Supports healthy gut bacteria and digestive function

Prebiotic effects and digestive enzyme support Evidence C-grade 2-8 weeks

Others take these for the same thing

Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one

Every pair we checked

12 combinations scored by the engine
Chlorella + Caffeine No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Creatine Monohydrate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Calcium Carbonate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Whey Protein No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Lactase No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Bovine Collagen No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + DHA No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Turmeric No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Magnesium Oxide No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Chlorella + Spirulina Enhanced nutritional and detox benefits Works better together 78
Chlorella + Vitamin D3 Enhanced heavy metal chelation and detox Works better together 78

Dosage

With meals
Daily3-10g
Nutritional support3-6g daily
Detoxification5-10g daily
Heavy metal chelation10-20g daily
Immune support3-6g daily

When to expect it

First Effects1-2 weeks for energy and nutritional benefits
Peak Benefits8-16 weeks for sustained detox and immune benefits
Deficiency DevelopmentReturn to baseline nutrition and toxin levels
Toxicity OnsetVery rare, mainly initial detox symptoms

How to measure it

$200-400
MarkerHeavy metal levels or nutritional status markers
OptimalReduced heavy metal levels and improved nutritional markers
Deficient belowNot applicable for supplement
FrequencyEvery 6-12 months for heavy metal monitoring if detoxing

What people actually reported to the FDA

CAERS, 33 reports naming it as the suspect

Most reported effects

Vomiting 17
Diarrhoea 9
Nausea 6
Malaise 5
Loss of consciousness 3
Named as the suspect 33 reports of 46 that mention it at all
Serious outcome 88% hospitalisation, emergency room or worse
Other Serious or Important Medical Event15
Hospitalization12
Life Threatening6

Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →

What actually reaches you

The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption Very high 85 of 100 · best absorbed form of this compound
Delivered daily 5525 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered $0.02 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage

Works better with

3 documented
+
Spirulina

Enhanced nutritional and detox benefits

Complementary algae with overlapping but distinct nutrient profiles · level B
+
Vitamin C

Enhanced heavy metal chelation and detox

Vitamin C supports heavy metal elimination and immune function · level B
+
Cilantro

Enhanced heavy metal detoxification

Cilantro mobilizes metals while chlorella binds and removes them · level C

What not to take with Chlorella

2 documented
!
Medications Taken Together

May bind some medications reducing absorption

Fiber and chelating properties may bind drugs · moderate significance
!
Coffee Tea Tannins

Tannins may reduce mineral absorption

Tannins bind minerals reducing bioavailability · minor significance

Medication interactions

Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining
blood-thinners Moderate

High vitamin K content may affect blood clotting

What to do: Monitor INR if using large amounts

immunosuppressants Minor

May stimulate immune function

What to do: Monitor immune status

thyroid-medications Minor

Iodine content may affect thyroid function

What to do: Monitor thyroid function

Available forms

bioavailability compared
Cracked Cell Wall Chlorella 85
Chlorella Extract/Concentrate 90

Cracked Cell Wall Chlorella: Better absorption, Complete nutrition, Detox support, Cracked cell wall

Chlorella Extract/Concentrate: Higher potency, Smaller doses, Concentrated benefits, Better tolerance

Food sources

before you supplement
Chlorella tablets/powder Pure concentrated form · 85
Green superfood blends Variable chlorella content · 75
Not found in common foods Supplementation required · N/A
Fresh chlorella (rare) Highest nutrient density · 90

Too little

deficiency signs
  • Poor detoxification capacity and toxin accumulation
  • Nutritional deficiencies especially B vitamins and protein
  • Compromised immune function and frequent infections
  • Low energy and chronic fatigue
  • Poor gut health and digestive issues
  • Increased susceptibility to environmental toxins
  • Slow healing and recovery

Too much

toxicity signs
  • Generally safe but potential reactions:
  • Initial digestive upset and nausea
  • Temporary detox symptoms (headaches, fatigue)
  • Possible iodine sensitivity in thyroid disorders
  • Rare allergic reactions

Who benefits most

heavy-metal-detox

Excellent for binding and removing heavy metals from body

3-10g daily
immune-system-support

Rich in nutrients that support immune function

3-6g daily
nutritional-deficiency-vegetarians

Complete protein and B12 source for plant-based diets

3-10g daily
environmental-toxin-exposure

Helps eliminate environmental toxins and pollutants

5-10g daily
energy-fatigue-support

Rich in energy-supporting nutrients and chlorophyll

3-6g daily

Where to buy it

compare forms first

Look for Chlorella at 3-10g per serving. The form that matters here is Cracked Cell Wall Chlorella.

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What else affects it

Beyond other supplements
!
Coffee tea tannins

Tannins may reduce mineral absorption

Tannins bind minerals reducing bioavailability

How it works

  • Cell wall components bind heavy metals and toxins for elimination
  • Rich in chlorophyll providing antioxidant and detox support
  • Complete protein supports tissue repair and immune function
  • High vitamin and mineral content supports multiple body systems
  • Growth factors may promote cellular repair and regeneration
  • Prebiotic effects support beneficial gut bacteria

Key findings

what the evidence supports
  • Good evidence for heavy metal detoxification and nutritional support
  • May support immune function and energy levels
  • Generally safe but start slowly to avoid detox reactions
  • Cracked cell wall forms have better bioavailability

Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02

Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →

Common questions

What are the benefits of Chlorella?

Documented effects: Heavy metal detoxification; Enhanced immune system function; Complete nutritional support; Improved energy and vitality. Binds and removes heavy metals and toxins from the body

How much Chlorella should you take per day?

The common daily range is 3-10g. By goal — nutritional support: 3-6g daily; detoxification: 5-10g daily; heavy metal chelation: 10-20g daily; immune support: 3-6g daily.

When is the best time to take Chlorella?

With meals. First effects are typically reported within 1-2 weeks for energy and nutritional benefits.

What are the side effects of Chlorella?

At excessive doses: Generally safe but potential reactions:, Initial digestive upset and nausea, Temporary detox symptoms (headaches, fatigue), Possible iodine sensitivity in thyroid disorders, Rare allergic reactions. Safety rating at normal doses is 8 out of 10.

What should you not take with Chlorella?

Separate it from Medications Taken Together, Coffee Tea Tannins by two to four hours. May bind some medications reducing absorption

Does Chlorella interact with medications?

Documented interactions with blood-thinners, immunosuppressants, thyroid-medications. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.

How do you know if you need Chlorella?

The marker is Heavy metal levels or nutritional status markers, optimal range Reduced heavy metal levels and improved nutritional markers. Common deficiency signs: Poor detoxification capacity and toxin accumulation, Nutritional deficiencies especially B vitamins and protein, Compromised immune function and frequent infections, Low energy and chronic fatigue.

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