History

Ancient and unobtrusive

We owe the discovery of the inconspicuous chlorella to the Dutch microbiologist M. W. Beijerinck, who discovered and isolated it for the first time in 1890. However, during his research he came across a close association of chlorella with the 1.5 billion-year-old Acritarch microfossils. He proved that this freshwater algae has been part of the ecosystem for a very long time. [1]

She won over the world

The biologically active substances contained, their action and high absorption have been the subject of many scientific studies, which continue to generate new knowledge and present interesting conclusions. For its beneficial effects chlorella has thus won fans all over the world. [2,3,4,5,6]

Origin and cultivation

Protected against heavy metals

Chlorella is a unicellular freshwater alga, which needs a warm climate, sufficient sunlight, plenty of nutrients and really clean water for ideal growth. [1] These conditions are met because the chlorella is grown in special tanks that ensure organic growing conditions. Chlorella is thus additionally protected from heavy metal pollution.

High absorption ensured

Chlorella harvested at its full maturity stage is subsequently processed through a process called disintegration, through which the cell envelope structures are disrupted. The disintegration process results in high absorption and utilization of valuable substances contained in chlorella.

Pressed into tablets

After harvesting, the rich green chlorella biomass is gently dried and pressed into whole, green tablets. The shape of the tablets is achieved only by the pressure exerted by the pressing device. Due to the naturally adhesive properties of spirulina, the pressed tablets retain their solid shape even without the use of binders, dyes, fillers or other additives. As part of the unique processing technology and the low temperatures maintained, spirulina is still "alive "and retains enzymes and other valuable substances that are sensitive to high temperatures.

Composition and properties

There is no Chlorella like Chlorella

Chlorella Pyrenoidosa or Chlorella Vulgaris, algae almost identical at first glance, yet different. Their difference lies in their composition.

Compared to Vulgaris, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa contains much more highly branched polysaccharides. Their presence is justified, but in any case, they may not be a good choice for constipation or digestion problems. But otherwise you will appreciate it. [7]

Slight differences were also observed in protein and other nutrient content. So take a look at the ingredients and choose the right chlorella for you.

Moreover, it is naturally gluten-free – it is therefore also suitable for people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

Phytonutrient-packed superfood

Among the minerals, these are mainly iron, iodine, manganese and phosphorus, for whose high content chlorella is sought after. Every cell in the body will welcome the presence of natural zinc and calcium.

Chlorella also has the advantage of a high content of fat-soluble vitamin D and water-soluble vitamins B1 and B3.

Fiber, vegetable oils or easily absorbed proteins, all of these macronutrients are also present.

In addition, the characteristic green colour of chlorella is due to the naturally present carotenoid and chlorophyll dyes. In particular, chlorophyll A and beta-carotene. Its growth factor is also highlighted.

For vegans and vegetarians

Because of the contained vitamin B12 and the high amount of iron, chlorella is also a suitable dietary supplement for vegans and vegetarians who may have insufficient intake of animal foods due to restrictions.

Usage

Simply drink it down

The tableted form of spirulina is characterised by its blue-green colour and shiny appearance. Spirulina tablets can be easily washed down with a glass of water or another favourite beverage. The advantage is that it is more convenient to dose.

Recommended dosage

Start with a dose of 4 tablets 3 times a day (12 tablets), at least 15 minutes before meals. Take with a glass of water. Over the course of 14 days, gradually increase the dose to 7 tablets 3 times a day (21 tablets). Daily intake of Chlorella: 3 – 5 grams.

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. – This product is not intended to replace a varied and balanced diet. – Not intended for children under 3 years of age. Store in dry place, protect from heat.

You can choose from two packaging options:

• in a paper bag, 250 g content, 1000 tablets
• in a jar, content 130 g, 520 tablets.

Origin: China

In conclusion

Health claims from the so-called ON HOLD list

Chlorella:

• vitality – energy – tone, natural defences
• immunity – energy

ON HOLD list – This is a list of substances and their relationship to health that have been sent to EFSA for assessment but EFSA has not yet issued an expert opinion or the EC has not yet issued a decision. Please note that these claims are temporary.

Sources

[1] MÜLLER, Julia et al., 2005. DISTINCTION BETWEEN MULTIPLE ISOLATES OF CHLORELLA VULGARIS (CHLOROPHYTA, TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE) AND TESTING FOR CONSPECIFICITY USING AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM AND ITS RDNA SEQUENCES. Journal of Phytology. 41(6), 1236–1247.

[2] WANA, Xu-zhi et al., 2019. Anti-diabetic activity of PUFAs-rich extracts of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Spirulina platensis in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology. (128), 233–239.

[3] BITO, Tomohiro et al., 2016. Characte­rization and Quantitation of Vitamin B12 Compounds in Various Chlorella Supplements. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 64(45), 8516–8524.

[4] WAN, Xu-zhi et al., 2020. Physicoche­mical Characterization of a Polysaccharide from Green Microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Its Hypolipidemic Activity via Gut Microbiota Regulation in Rats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 68(5), 1186–1197.

[5] REYES SUA´ REZ, Erick et al., 2006. Immunos­timulatory Polysaccharides from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. A New Galactofuranan. Measurement of Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Dispersion by DOSY NMR. Biomacromolecules. 7(8), 2368–2376.

[6] HSU, HSIEN-YEH et al., 2010. Immunos­timulatory Bioactivity of Algal Polysaccharides from Chlorella pyrenoidosa Activates Macrophages via Toll-Like Receptor 4. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 58(2), 927–936.

[7] SHI, Ying, Jianchun SHENG, Fangmei YANG a Qiuhui HU. Purification and identification of polysaccharide derived from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Food Chemistry. 2007, (103), 101–105.