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Dietary supplement

Chlorella Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chlorella is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and 'detox' support, immune support, liver and kidney support.Based on those ingredients, 337 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chlorella, Dried, Powdered. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chlorella by Higher Nature

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: chlorella, a type of freshwater algae that's been dried and powdered. That's it — one ingredient, no botanical blend or multi-ingredient formula.

The inactive ingredient list shows chlorella powder, which is the same material as the active component, so there are no separate fillers or binders added.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Chlorella's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Chlorella for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Pregnancy-related iron deficiency — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for chlorella varies by condition. It's possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency — that's the strongest rating we have.

For brain tumor, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), depression, and fatigue, the evidence is insufficient to reliably rate whether it works. The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for those uses, so you'd want to talk with your doctor about what the current research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chlorella

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chlorella is generally well tolerated in the short term, but product quality and purity vary widely between brands and batches — that's something to keep in mind. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, flatus, fatigue, and stool discoloration, especially during the first two weeks.

A small number of people have reported allergic reactions, including asthma, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. Safety data overall are limited, so avoid it unless your doctor approves use for your specific situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chlorella

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Chlorella.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 337 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners, check before starting — chlorella's vitamin K can reduce their effectiveness (Moderate severity). Also double-check any medications that increase your sun sensitivity (Moderate severity).

Use the medication checker on this page for your exact drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Chlorella may be worth considering if your doctor recommends it for pregnancy-related iron deficiency. If you take warfarin or drugs that cause photosensitivity, check your exact medications with our tool before starting.

Product quality varies, so source matters. Talk with your pharmacist about whether this fits your health goals and current medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chlorella, straight from the product label.

Brand Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013101878
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 304533
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chlorella by Higher Nature, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
180
UPC/BARCODE
5031013101878
IngredientAmount% DV
Chlorella, Dried, Powdered250 mg--

Other ingredients: Chlorella powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. No yeast, added sugar or salt.

This product has not been tested on animals

Advanced formula Optimal benefit

Vegetarian and vegan

Split cells for better bioavailability Reduces visible signs of ageing

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Higher Nature Everyday Essentials

Formula

Nutritious Green Algae

Pure freshwater chlorella Chlorella contains vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take up to 4 tablets a day with meals. Do not exceed recommended daily intake.

See for yourself

Chlorella by Higher Nature label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chlorella by Higher Nature

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container180 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chlorella, Dried, Powdered

Interacts with
337 drugs
250 mg per serving

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies sugges...

Chlorella, Dried, Powdered monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Chlorella powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chlorella by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chlorella?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
337Drugs
337 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chlorella with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chlorella, Dried, Powdered2 drug types · 337 drugs

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chlorella might reduce the clinical effects of warfarin.
Chlorella contains significant amounts of vitamin K. There is at least one case report of warfarin therapy becoming sub-therapeutic after initiation of chlorella supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chlorella, from the product label.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd (EU)
Street Address
Block 1, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Ballycoolen Road
City
Dublin
ZipCode
D15 AKK1
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chlorella by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Chlorella by Higher Nature interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chlorella has a known interaction with 337 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chlorella contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Chlorella is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but overall safety data are limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your specific situation — they can weigh the evidence and your individual needs.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people experience mild GI effects, especially in the first two weeks: nausea, diarrhea, cramping, gas, and constipation are the most common. Stool may also turn green. Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported, including severe ones like anaphylaxis.
Does chlorella actually work for anything?
The evidence is clearest for pregnancy-related iron deficiency, where it's possibly effective. For fatigue, depression, liver disease, and brain tumors, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works — that doesn't mean it doesn't, just that the data aren't strong enough to rate it.
Why does the product quality matter?
Chlorella is a freshwater algae, and different growing and processing methods affect purity and contamination risk. The safety notes flag this because there's real variation between brands and batches — so sourcing from a reputable maker matters.
What exactly is chlorella?
It's a type of freshwater algae that's harvested, dried, and powdered. This product contains only that — no other botanicals or added ingredients, just the algae powder itself.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Chlorella is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chlorella label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chlorella's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chlorella 13 references
  1. Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York, NY: William Morrow and Co., 1999.
  2. Ng TP, Tan WC, Lee YK. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Resp Med 1994;88:555-7. PubMed
  3. Jitsukawa K, Suizu R, Hidano A. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. Int J Dermatol 1984;23:263-8. PubMed
  4. Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res 2000;14:167-73.
  5. Merchant RE, Rice CD, Young HF. Dietary Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with malignant glioma: effects on immunocompetence, quality of life, and survival. Phytother Res 1990;4:220-31.
  6. Halperin SA, Smith B, Nolan C, et al. Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. CMAJ 2003;169:111-7..
  7. Ohtake, T., Negishi, K., Okamoto, K., Oka, M., Maesato, K., Moriya, H., and Kobayashi, S. Manganese-induced Parkinsonism in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46(4):749-753. PubMed
  8. Ng, T. P., Tan, W. C., and Lee, Y. K. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by Chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Respir.Med. 1994;88(7):555-557. PubMed
  9. Ohkawa, S., Yoneda, Y., Ohsumi, Y., and Tabuchi, M. [Warfarin therapy and chlorella]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1995;35(7):806-807.
  10. Azocar J, Diaz A. Efficacy and safety of chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(7):1085-90. PubMed
  11. Panahi Y, Badeli R, Karami GR, Badeli Z, Sahebkar A. A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. Complement Ther Med 2015;23(4):598-602. PubMed
  12. Nakano S, Takekoshi H, Nakano M. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2010;65(1):25-30. PubMed
  13. Yavasoglu I, Turgutkaya A, Bolaman Z. Chlorella-induced thrombocytopenia. Sao Paulo Med J 2018;136(6):602-3. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorella monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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