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Dietary supplement

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Whole Foods Market

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

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Whole Foods Market 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 fermented Chlorella. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market

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: fermented chlorella, a single-celled green algae that's been processed to break down its cell walls. That fermentation makes it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients inside.

There are no inactive ingredients listed for this tablet.

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 we hold is limited. Chlorella is possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency.

For brain tumors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), depression, and fatigue, the reliable evidence isn't strong enough to rate how well it works. In short, we don't have solid data showing it's effective for most of these uses.

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, though product quality and purity vary widely between manufacturers. The most common side effects are digestive — abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and gas, especially in the first two weeks.

A small number of trial participants reported nausea or diarrhea; in one trial, a few people taking chlorella tablets experienced worsening constipation or mild diarrhea. Allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis (a severe whole-body reaction), have been reported rarely.

Chlorella can also cause photosensitivity — swelling and rash on sun-exposed skin in people who ingest it. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't well established.

Chlorella is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but there's insufficient information for lactation. Do not take this product without talking to your doctor first — the safety data advises caution.

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.

Check before taking this product if you're on warfarin or any blood thinner (Moderate severity) — chlorella's vitamin K content can make these drugs less effective. Also double-check if you take any medications that increase your skin's sensitivity to sun (Moderate severity), as chlorella may add to that effect.

Run your exact medication list through the search tool on this page to be sure.

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.

Fermented chlorella may be considered if you have pregnancy-related iron deficiency and your doctor recommends it, but the evidence for other common uses (liver health, brain health, energy, or mood) isn't strong. Because it can reduce how blood thinners work and cause photosensitivity reactions, you'll want to check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your healthcare provider first — the safety data isn't complete.

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 Nov 21, 2020.

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 Fermented Chlorella 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Whole Foods Market
Barcode (UPC) 099482454500
Net contents 100 Vegan Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 239908
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
099482454500
IngredientAmount% DV
fermented Chlorella500 mg--

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.
Precautions

Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, have any health condition or are taking any medications, consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

Tamper evident, use only if seal is intact.

Keep out of reach of children.

Produced in a facility that processes tree nuts (coconut), milk, eggs, wheat and soy.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

This is a natural product and there may be color variations from lot to lot due to crop fluctuations from harvest to harvest.

V+ Vegan

Product of South Korea. Packed in USA.

General Statements

Bottle is made from 100% PCR content Please recycle 1 Pete

Functional nutrition

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practices

Formula

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg per tablet Source of Chlorophyll

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take up to 2 tablets daily.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2015 Whole Foods Market IP, LP

See for yourself

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

Fermented Chlorella

Interacts with
337 drugs
500 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...

Fermented Chlorella monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fermented Chlorella 500 mg?

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 Fermented Chlorella 500 mg 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.

fermented 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fermented Chlorella 500 mg, from the product label.

Whole Foods Market

See all Whole Foods Market products
Name
Whole Foods Market
Street Address
550 Bowie Street
City
Austin
State
Texas
ZipCode
78703
Web Address
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market: Common Questions

Does Fermented Chlorella 500 mg by Whole Foods Market interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fermented Chlorella 500 mg 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?
Fermented Chlorella 500 mg 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 on warfarin or a blood thinner?
Not without checking first. Chlorella is high in vitamin K, which can make blood thinners like warfarin work less well. There's at least one case report of this happening. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start — they may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely.
Will chlorella cause sun sensitivity?
It can. Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitivity — swelling and rash on skin exposed to the sun. Five cases were documented in people taking it. If you're already on a medication that makes you sun-sensitive, this product could make it worse.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive upset is typical, especially in the first two weeks: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, constipation, gas, and fatigue. A small number of trial participants reported these. Allergic reactions, including severe ones like anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
Chlorella is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but there isn't enough data to be certain. Do not take this without talking to your doctor first — they know your full health history and can advise you.
Does quality vary between brands?
Yes — product quality and purity vary widely. That's why it matters where you source it from. Choose a reputable manufacturer and, if you have concerns, ask your pharmacist for guidance.
Will this help my energy or mood?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate whether it works for fatigue or depression. We don't have reliable data showing it's effective for these uses, so we can't say whether it will help.

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

Not sure if Fermented Chlorella 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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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.

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fermented Chlorella 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fermented Chlorella 500 mg'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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