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Dietary supplement

Chlorella Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solgar

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chlorella is a dietary supplement by Solgar 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 powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chlorella by Solgar

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 powder, a freshwater algae. That's it — no blends or multiple herbs here.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, with microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients (standard binders and flow agents).

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).

Chlorella is possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency based on the data we hold. For other uses listed — brain tumors, fatty liver disease, depression, and fatigue — the evidence is insufficient to rate.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means we don't have reliable evidence one way or the other yet.

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 short-term, but quality and purity vary widely between products, so sourcing matters. The most common side effects are allergic reactions, abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, nausea, skin sensitivity to sun (photosensitivity), and discolored stools — especially in the first two weeks.

In trials, these were uncommon: one person out of 42 reported nausea, one reported diarrhea, and in another trial 4 of 13 people had worsening constipation or mild diarrhea. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but have been reported.

For pregnancy, chlorella is rated possibly safe. Safety data for breastfeeding is not on file.

Because long-term safety hasn't been established, avoid chlorella unless your doctor directs you to use 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, double-check if you're on warfarin (or other blood thinners that work similarly) — chlorella's vitamin K can reduce its effect. Also flag any medications that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitizing drugs), since chlorella may make that worse.

Run your exact medications through the checker on this page.

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 you're pregnant with iron deficiency and your doctor recommends it. If you take warfarin or any photosensitizing medication, talk with your pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real.

Most people tolerate it well short-term, but quality varies, so choose a trusted brand. Since we don't have solid long-term safety data, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

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 Apr 25, 2019.

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 Solgar
Barcode (UPC) 033984038189
Net contents 100 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 201693
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, 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 Solgar, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
033984038189
IngredientAmount% DV
Chlorella powder520 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formula

Solgar Broken Cell-Wall Chlorella offers exceptional digestibility for maximum absorption and utilization of the single-cell algae’s constituents.

Solgar’s KOF-K certification #K-1250

Brand IP Statement(s)

2017 Solgar, Inc.

General

SOLGB73818 02C

General Statements

Since 1947

(Broken cell-wall)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten, wheat & dairy free

Suitable for vegans

Non-GMO

Free of: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Yeast, Sugar, Sodium, Artificial Flavor, Sweetener, Preservatives and Color.

Seals/Symbols

GF Certified Gluten-free K Parve

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) vegetable capsule up to three times daily, preferably with meals or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if outer bottle seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

See for yourself

Chlorella by Solgar label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chlorella by Solgar

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

Serving size1 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Chlorella powder

Interacts with
337 drugs
520 mg per serving Form: Green Micro-Algae

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

Chlorella powder monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Chlorella by Solgar 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 powder2 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.

Solgar

See all Solgar products
Name
Solgar, Inc.
Street Address
500 Willow Tree Road
City
Leonia
State
NJ
ZipCode
07605
Phone Number
1-877-765-4274
Web Address
www.solgar.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chlorella by Solgar: Common Questions

Does Chlorella by Solgar 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.
Will chlorella help my energy or fatigue?
The evidence for fatigue is insufficient to rate — we don't have reliable data either way yet. Talk with your pharmacist about whether it might be worth trying for your situation.
Is it safe to take chlorella while pregnant?
Chlorella is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, though long-term safety hasn't been fully established. If you're pregnant and considering it, especially for iron deficiency, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most common are stomach cramping, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and constipation — especially in the first two weeks. Less often, people report allergic reactions or sensitivity to sunlight. Serious reactions like anaphylaxis are rare but have happened.
Why does the safety warning say to avoid it unless my doctor approves?
Long-term safety data is limited, and product quality varies widely. Your doctor can help you decide if the possible benefits for your specific situation outweigh those gaps.
Can I take chlorella with my other supplements?
This product itself has no interactions with other supplements in our data. However, check your prescription medications — especially blood thinners like warfarin and drugs that increase sun sensitivity — using the tool on this page.

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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