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Last verified: 17 days ago

Chlorella

Also known as: Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, green algae, microalgae

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Green microalgae with protein and amino acids. May boost aerobic performance and support muscle protein synthesis.

What it does

Chlorella is a single-celled green microalgae packed with protein and essential amino acids. Clinical trials show it can improve aerobic capacity (VO2max), reduce blood lactate during exercise,...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

6 g daily (exercise performance); 30 g protein equivalent (muscle protein synthesis)
Found in

1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50, 310 Greens - Mixed Berry, 310 Nutrition Vanilla Crème Shake and 17 more

What the Science Says

Chlorella is a single-celled green microalgae packed with protein and essential amino acids. Clinical trials show it can improve aerobic capacity (VO2max), reduce blood lactate during exercise, and support muscle protein synthesis at rates comparable to other high-quality plant proteins. Effects on exercise performance appear after as little as 2 days of supplementation, with more pronounced benefits after 3 weeks.

What It Doesn't Do

Not a proven detox supplement — no clinical evidence it removes heavy metals from the human body. Won't replace a balanced diet. No evidence it burns fat or causes weight loss. The environmental research on Chlorella (wastewater treatment, soil remediation) has nothing to do with human health benefits.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Improves VO2max and reduces blood lactate during exercise after 2–21 days of supplementation.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 6 g/day

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 40871685 PMID 38474825 PMID 36905653 PMID 42075102

Stimulates muscle protein synthesis at rest and after exercise, comparable to mycoprotein.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 30 g protein equivalent

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 37716611 PMID 38220222

Combined with high-intensity interval training, chlorella enhances cardiac function and aerobic capacity.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Not precisely defined in studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 40871685

Provides essential amino acids that raise plasma levels after ingestion, supporting whole-body protein turnover.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 30 g protein equivalent

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38220222 PMID 37716611

Absorption & Bioavailability

Moderate — chlorella raises plasma amino acid concentrations after ingestion, but the rise is slower and lower than spirulina or mycoprotein. Cell wall processing may affect digestibility.

Red Flags to Watch For

Several provided papers study Chlorella as an environmental/industrial organism (wastewater, soil remediation) — these findings do NOT apply to human supplementation
Most human exercise studies are small (12–36 participants), limiting confidence in effect sizes
Chlorella can accumulate heavy metals from its growth environment — source and quality control matter
Some products may contain contaminants if not third-party tested; look for certified products

Products Containing Chlorella

See how Chlorella is used in these analyzed products:

Supplement

Misleading

Lemme Greens Gummies

Supplement

Overhyped

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chlorella do?

Green microalgae with protein and amino acids. May boost aerobic performance and support muscle protein synthesis.

What is the effective dose of Chlorella?

6 g daily (exercise performance); 30 g protein equivalent (muscle protein synthesis)

Is Chlorella safe?

Several provided papers study Chlorella as an environmental/industrial organism (wastewater, soil remediation) — these findings do NOT apply to human supplementation

What doesn't Chlorella do?

Not a proven detox supplement — no clinical evidence it removes heavy metals from the human body.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25