Reviews and Information for Chlorella
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements
Are "fruit" and "veggie" powders and pills worthwhile? See ConsumerLab's tests and reviews of supplements, including those that contain grasses, chlorella, and spirulina. Also learn what nutrients these ingredients provide and potential side effects.
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review
Filters
View All
Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
CL Answer
Is spirulina safe? I heard that it can contain toxins, such as BMAA and microcystin toxin.
Is Spirulina safe? Find out if Spirulina contains toxins like BMAA and microcystin toxin.
Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins -- Caution with Gummies
CL Answer
Do detox supplements work and are they safe?
Detox supplements are promoted for removing toxins such as heavy metals from the body, but does research support their use and are such supplements safe?
Clinical Update
1/28/2022
B-12 From Chlorella and Spirulina?
A reader asked if chlorella and spirulina are good sources of B-12. The answer is both "yes" and "no," as explained in our Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review, which includes our recent tests result and Top Picks for chlorella and spirulina supplements.
Clinical Update
2/21/2016
Gastrointestinal Side-Effects of Chlorella
In response to a CL Answer about Spirulina, CL members have reported vomiting after using another algae-based supplement, Chlorella — a common ingredient in "greens" powders and drinks. We then reviewed clinical studies of Chlorella and found high rates of other gastrointestinal side-effects. For details see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review >>
Clinical Update
7/09/2014
Chlorella Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides
A daily dose of chlorella (an ingredient included in some "greens" and whole foods supplements) significantly reduced total cholesterol, "bad" VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details, including the dosage used, plus our tests and comparisons of supplements containing chlorella and other "greens" in the updated Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills >>
CL Answer
Which supplements can cause diarrhea?
Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.
Product Review
Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)
Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems
Clinical Update
11/07/2023
Are "Greens" Autoimmune Triggers?
Spirulina, chlorella, and alfalfa -- popular ingredients in greens supplements – have been reported to cause, or worsen autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and dermatomyositis. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fruits, Veggies, and Greens Review. Also see our Top Picks among fruits, veggies, and greens supplements.
Clinical Update
8/04/2023
Fruits & Veggies in a Capsule?
We said it was too good to be true, and now the distributor of a fruits & veggies supplement will pay over $1 million to settle a false advertising lawsuit. Get the details and our reviews of products sold by Balance of Nature, Juice Plus, Dr. Berg’s, and Nutrilite.
Also see our Top Picks among other greens supplements, including mixed greens powders, chlorella, and spirulina products.
News Release
November 02, 2023
Spirulina and “Greens” Supplement Tests Show Some Problems
White Plains, New York, November 2, 2023 — ConsumerLab tests of spirulina, chlorella, and “greens” supplements revealed that tablets of three brands of spirulina failed to disintegrate within the allotted time, and several other products contained amounts of lead unsuitable for regular consumption ...
Product Review
Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review
Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands
Product Review
Weight Loss Supplements Review (7-Keto DHEA, Forskolin and Stimulant Blend Supplements)
Choose the Best Weight Loss Supplement. Be Careful With Weight Loss Supplements — Few Pass Quality Testing and Safety Review.
Product Review
Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review
See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes
Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
CL Answer
How does Athletic Greens’ AG1 compare to multivitamins and Greens powders? Is AG1 worth it?
ConsumerLab reviews the ingredients in AG1, its safety and possible side effects, and how AG1 compares to other products.
News Release
February 09, 2022
Caution With Spirulina Supplements: ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Lead Contamination, Quality Concerns
White Plains, New York, February 9, 2022 — Problems were discovered in three out of four spirulina supplements recently tested by ConsumerLab. One product was found to be contaminated with lead, and two other products, which were tablets, failed to disintegrate within the expected time.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?
Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
Product Review
Rhodiola Rosea Supplements Review
Do Rhodiola Supplements Help With Depression and Anxiety? Find Out and See Which Rhodiola Supplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Find out which supplements can cause constipation, including iron, calcium, protein powders and drinks and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
News Release
January 31, 2019
Contamination Still an Issue in Some Greens and Whole Food Products, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal
White Plains, New York, January 31, 2019 — Powders and capsules containing ingredients such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, and fruits and vegetables are a popular way to get vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients, but past tests by ConsumerLab have found that these products ...
Product Review
Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.
Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs
Recalls & Warnings
October 09, 2023
Organifi Settles Charges of Unsupported Claims
Organifi, LLC has agreed to pay $150,000 in civil penalties and $50,000 in investigative costs as restitution to settle charges that the company made unsupported claims that its Gold, Pure, Green Juice, and Red Juice products could balance hormone and cortisol levels, regulate the ...
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.
Recalls & Warnings
April 27, 2023
Seller of Magtein, Veggie Caps, & More Warned for Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations
On March 8, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Spartan Enterprises Inc., dba Watershed Wellness Center, after a review of the company’s website found statements about its Dr. Bob’s Naturals Spirulina, Dr. Bob’s Naturals Magtein, Dr.
News Release
August 08, 2016
ConsumerLab Finds Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic Contamination in Greens and Whole Foods Supplements
White Plains, New York, August 9, 2016 — Powders, pills and drinks made from ingredients like wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, chlorella, leafy vegetables and fruits are a popular choice for people looking to increase their intake of vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients.
