| Dietary sources | |
| Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular, spherical freshwater green algae. Only 3 – 10 µm in size, the algae have a unique nutritional profile, in particular the content of chlorophyll, cellulose and active vitamin B12. Specially cultivated algae are used in the production of enriched food (e.g. pasta, vital bars) and food supplements. | |
| Physiological effects | |
| Antioxidant |
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| Ejector |
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| Chlorella - made in Germany |
| Europe's largest production site for microalgae has been located in the heart of Germany since 1999. Chlorella vulgaris microalgae are produced in this unique facility using a completely new technology. The microalgae grow in a 1.2 ha greenhouse in a 500 km long glass tube system. This ensures that the algae are optimally supplied with sunlight (there are no dark zones, mimicking the deep layers of traditional ponds) and contamination from outside is excluded. This concerns pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals, bacterial contamination by waterfowl and insects as well as the dreaded toxin-forming blue-green algae. Due to the high degree of purity of the harvested algae, the raw material does not need to be sterilized. After a gentle drying process, a high-quality, natural chlorella powder is produced that meets therapeutic quality requirements. It goes without saying that the production process and end product are constantly monitored. An in-house laboratory controls all essential parameters of the cultivation process and external laboratories check the quality of the product. The entire manufacturing process and quality management system are ISO and HACCP certified and are also monitored by the responsible authorities. |
| Chlorella vulgaris - a wide range of components |
| Chlorella vulgaris has a high content of chlorophyll, minerals and proteins. In addition to potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and chromium, the content of plant-based vitamin B12 is particularly noteworthy. While other types of algae, such as spirulina, provide an inactive pseudo vitamin B12, the vitamin B12 contained in chlorella is characterized by good bioavailability and high biochemical activity (1). This makes chlorella vulgaris supplementation particularly suitable for vegetarians, vegans and older people in whom vitamin B12 intake and thus B12 status is considered at risk (2). Chlorella also provides a balanced spectrum of essential amino acids, important nucleic acids, essential fatty acids and bioactive chlorophyll. Among the vitaminoids, carotenes and beta-carotene are among the most important ingredients of this nutrient-rich microalgae. Chlorella supplements are therefore used for cachexia and malnutrition. |
| Chlorella – influence on stress and blood sugar levels |
| Regular intake of chlorella algae seems to have a positive effect on stress in the body. This has already been proven in animal experiments (3) and is in line with practical experience, which reports a general improvement in the overall state of health within the framework of a nutritive algae therapy. Recent studies suggest a hypoglycemic effect of chlorella algae. Thus, the additional administration of chlorella with exogenous insulin supply can prolong the blood sugar-lowering effect of insulin, likely by increasing the insulin sensitivity of the cells (4). |
| Elimination and detoxification with Chlorella vulgaris |
| Naturopathic therapists associate the accumulation of heavy metals in human tissue with an increase in chronic diseases and lack of success in the treatment of some health disorders. Heavy metals accumulate in different body tissues, especially in connective tissue, and can disturb intra- and intercellular activities. Chlorella vulgaris is used as a central component of a detoxification therapy according to Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, Dr. Hildegard Schreiber, Dr. Hulda Clark and others. Chlorella is an effective chelating agent and can promote the elimination of toxins, especially mercury, during acute and chronic exposure. In animal studies of lead exposed mice, the lead content in the blood of animals given chlorella was 66% lower than in the control group (5). These results support the positive results and experiences of many years of practice. Chlorella vulgaris acts primarily on the binding capacity of heavy metal ions in the intestine. In particular, the metals lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and nickel are bound and excreted through the intestine (6). Since the high cellulose content of chlorella stimulates intestinal peristalsis, rapid removal of toxic heavy metals is guaranteed. The nutrients contained in the algae such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids can also effectively compensate for the deficiencies that occur during relimination (7). |
| Chlorella in hypertension |
| The effects of chlorella on blood pressure have also been scientifically investigated. In some patients, mild or moderate hypertension could be reduced or stabilized by regular chlorella supplementation over 2 months (8). Regular supplementation can also reduce blood fat levels (10)(11). The mechanism seems to be a polyvalent approach in which thrombolytic, fibrinolytic, antiphlogistic and antioxidative effects play a synergistic role (9). |
| Chlorella shows chemopreventive effect in liver cancer cells |
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| In a 2009 study in mice, chlorella demonstrated an antiproliferative, apoptosis-inducing effect in liver cancer cells by reducing Bcl-2 protein (B-cell lymphoma 2) expression and increasing caspase-8 (cysteinyl-aspartate specific protease) expression (12). |
| Effect | Indication | Dosage |
| Physiological effects at a low intake |
To improve vitamin B12-status in people with predominantly a vegetarian diet or old age | 400 - 1000 mg/d |
| To improve overall health in specific and non-specific diseases | 400 - 1000 mg/d | |
| Pharmacological effects at a high intake |
To improve the nutritional status at cachetical patients, in gerontology and in rehabilitation | 2 - 3 g/d |
| For heavy metal elimination within a framework of a recognized elimination mechanism | 2 - 3 g/d | |
| General mode of administration | |
| When |
Chlorella should be taken between meals. to optimize absorption, it should not be combined with minerals and trace elements Notes:
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| Side effects | |
| A possible green coloration of the stool is caused by the chlorophyll content of the algae. | |
| Contraindications | |
| No contraindications are known to date. | |
| Drug interactions | |
| NSAIDs (e.g. ASS, Diclofenac) | NSAIDs can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 by damaging the intestinal mucosa. |
| Oral antidiabetics (e.g. metformin) | Increased need for vitamin B12 by reducing the calcium ions needed for resorption. |
| Antacids (H2-Blocker, PPIs) | PH-dependent inhibition of intestinal release of protein-bound cobalamines. |
| Estrogens (oral contraceptives) | Increased requirement of all B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12. |
| Methotrexate | Methotrexate acts as a folic acid antagonist and can therefore influence the effect of vitamin B12. |
| Nutrient interactions | |
| Trace elements | High calcium levels are necessary for good vitamin B12 levels when taking metformin. |
| Description |
| Chlorella vulgaris (freshwater green algae) |
| References |
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1) Watanabe, F. et al. 2002. Characterization and Bioavailability of Vitamin B12-Compounds from Edible Algae. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 48, Nr. 5: 325–331. doi:10.3177/jnsv.48.325. 2) Stabler, S. P. et al. 2004. Vitamin B12 Deficiency As A Worldwide Problem. Annual Review of Nutrition 24, Nr. 1: 299–326. doi:10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132440. 3) Queiroz, J. et al. 2004. Myelopoietic Response in Mice Exposed to Acute Cold/Restraint Stress: Modulation by Chlorella vulgaris Prophylactic Treatment. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology 26, Nr. 3: 455–467. doi:10.1081/iph-200026914. 4) Jong-Yuh, C. et al. 2005. Potential hypoglycemic effects of Chlorella in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Life Sciences 77, Nr. 9: 980–990. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.12.036. 5) Queiroz, M. et al. 2003. Protective effects of Chlorella vulgaris in lead-exposed mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. International Immunopharmacology 3, Nr. 6: 889–900. doi:10.1016/s1567-5769(03)00082-1. 6) Ploss, O. 2012. Moderne Praxis bewährter Regulationstherapien. Entgiftung und Ausleitung, Säure-Basen-Haushalt, Darmsanierung. Stuttgart (Georg Thieme Verlag). 7) Schreiber, H. 2000. Entgiftung und Ausleitung von Quecksilber. Der freie Arzt. Nr.2. 8) Merchant, R. et al. 2002. Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for Mild to Moderate Hypertension. Journal of Medicinal Food 5, Nr.3:141–152. doi:10.1089/10966200260398170. 9) Wagner, H., Wiesenauer, M. 2003. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika. 10) Merchant, R. et al. 2001. A review of recent clinical trials of nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Altern Ther Health Med. 7(3):79-91. 11) Merchant, R. et al. 2000. Nutritional Supplementation withChlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research 14, Nr. 3:167–173. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(200005)14:3<167::aid-ptr560>3.3.co;2-i. 12) Azamai, E. S. M. et al. 2009. Chlorella vulgaris triggers apoptosis in hepatocarcinogenesis-induced rats. Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B 10, Nr.1:14–21. doi:10.1631/jzus.b0820168.
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008. Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011. Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.
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