Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Chlorella Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

Chlorella label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Chlorella against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chlorella is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance with 2 active ingredients. 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 organic Chlorella. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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: organic chlorella, a single-celled freshwater algae. Chlorella is nutrient-dense and has been studied for a range of uses, from supporting iron levels in pregnancy to liver and brain health.

The capsule itself contains cellulose as an inactive ingredient.

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 is mixed. It's possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency — that's the one use with the most backing.

For brain tumors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, depression, and fatigue, the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to say whether it works. If you're thinking about chlorella for one of those conditions, your doctor or pharmacist can help you weigh what research exists against other options.

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 there's a catch: product quality and purity vary widely, and we don't have enough long-term safety data. The most common side effects are allergic reactions, abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, nausea, sun sensitivity, and green stool discoloration — especially in the first two weeks.

Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are rare but have been reported. Because safety data is limited, avoid chlorella unless your doctor approves it.

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.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any photosensitizing medications — drugs that increase your skin's reaction to sun. Chlorella may reduce warfarin's effectiveness and add to sun sensitivity from other 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 help with iron levels in pregnancy, but the evidence for other uses isn't established. If you take warfarin or a medication that causes sun sensitivity, check with your pharmacist first.

Even if you don't, product quality varies widely and long-term safety isn't well studied — this is one to discuss with your doctor before starting.

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 May 24, 2017.

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 Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359126282
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2017
DSLD ID 73141
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 Protocol For Life Balance, 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:
3 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
33
UPC/BARCODE
707359126282
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Protein1 Gram(s)1%
organic Chlorella1.2 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Cellulose

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 3 capsules 3 times daily.

Formula

How It Works: Chlorella, a single-celled alga, is a storehouse of nutrients, including enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, RNA/DNA, phytonutrients and chlorophyll.

~ Chlorophyll & other phytonutrients ~ Broken cell wall

General Statements

The Chlorella used in this product has been milled to break its cell walls for optimized digestion and absorption.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

400 mg

Precautions

Caution: May cause GI discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Do not eat freshness packet. Keep in bottle.

Formulation

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

General

CODE P2628 V5

Seals/Symbols

Non-GMO

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance label

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

Chlorella label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container33 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Protein

1 Gram(s) per serving

Organic Chlorella

Interacts with
337 drugs
1.2 Gram(s) 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...

Organic Chlorella monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance 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

organic Chlorella 337

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Chlorella interact with 337 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Chlorella interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Chlorella

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.

organic Chlorella2 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
organic Chlorella full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does Chlorella by Protocol For Life Balance 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 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 chlorella if I'm pregnant?
Chlorella is possibly safe in pregnancy — there's some data suggesting it may help with iron deficiency. But because safety data is limited, talk with your doctor or midwife first to make sure it's right for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are allergic reactions, stomach cramping, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, nausea, sun sensitivity, and green-colored stool. These tend to happen in the first couple of weeks. Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are rare.
Is chlorella effective for fatigue?
The evidence isn't strong enough yet to say. We have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for fatigue, so we can't tell you whether it works for that.
Why does the product quality vary?
Chlorella is a natural product, and different manufacturers have different standards for growing, harvesting, and processing it. That's why we recommend buying from a trusted source and talking with your pharmacist about which brand to choose.
Can I take chlorella while breastfeeding?
The product facts we have don't include safety data for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it — they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Chlorella’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Chlorella

Interacts with 337 drugs

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

Read the full Chlorella monograph →
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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