Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Natural Chlorella 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

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

Natural Chlorella 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World 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, 339 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chlorella. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World

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.
  • “Chlorella” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Natural Chlorella 500 mg is a single-ingredient product: chlorella, a freshwater algae. Each tablet provides 20 mg of chlorophyll, the green pigment in the algae that gives it its color and is thought to be its active compound.

The remaining inert ingredients — vegetable cellulose, acacia, silica, and vegetable magnesium stearate — are a capsule and binders.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Chlorophyll product and its label doesn't state a use — see Chlorophyll's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for chlorophyll from chlorella isn't established for any of the uses studied so far. Data we hold show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for genital herpes, wound healing, shingles, skin cancer, and pancreatitis.

If you're considering this product for a specific health concern, that's a conversation worth having with your doctor or pharmacist.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chlorella Chlorophyll

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.

Chlorophyll is generally well tolerated when taken short-term, but rigorous safety testing hasn't been done. The main side effect you should watch for is photosensitization — increased reaction of your skin to sunlight, sometimes showing up as blisters.

This is rare but documented. During pregnancy, there isn't enough reliable safety data, so the evidence advises against it.

The same goes for breastfeeding — safety isn't known, so avoid it unless your doctor tells you it's okay.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chlorella Chlorophyll

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 — Chlorophyll.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • 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 any photosensitizing drugs (medications that increase sun sensitivity) or methotrexate. Both have Moderate-severity interactions with the chlorophyll in this product.

If you're unsure whether your medication fits either category, the checker below will tell you.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is straightforward — one ingredient, one active compound — but chlorophyll can interact with photosensitizing medications and methotrexate. If you're on any prescription, check it against the tool before you buy.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it unless your doctor says otherwise.

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, 2013.

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 Natural Chlorella 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 074312735929
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2013
DSLD ID 20837
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function, No Claim
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
074312735929
IngredientAmount% DV
Chlorella1000 mg--
Providing 20 mg of Chlorophyll20 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Acacia, Silica, 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.
Seals/Symbols

QA QUALITY ASSURED

General Statements

This product has been developed, manufactured and packaged by Vitamin World. Our world-class facilities allow us to control exactly what goes into each product. It is your assurance that you are getting the highest quality and freshest products. You have our guarantee!

Chlorella is a single celled green microalgae that naturally contains the phytonutrient, Chlorophyll, the element in plants that captures the sun’s rays. Chlorella is a natural trace source of protein and plant enzymes to support overall health and wellness.*

Get healthy.

SUPPORTS HEALTH AND WELLNESS*

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

VEGETARIAN DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Formula

Source of Chlorophyll & Plant Enzymes

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take two (2) tablets three times daily, preferably with meals.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2013 Vitamin World, Inc.

General

PROD. #3592 B3590 05C

See for yourself

Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World

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

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chlorella

Interacts with
337 drugs
1000 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 monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Natural 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
339Drugs
339 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chlorella 337

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Natural 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.

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 Natural Chlorella 500 mg, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Name
Vitamin World, Inc.
City
Ronkonoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Natural Chlorella 500 mg by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Natural Chlorella 500 mg has a known interaction with 339 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Natural 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.
Will this help my wound heal faster?
The evidence isn't there yet. We don't have reliable data to say whether chlorophyll from chlorella speeds up wound healing, so we can't make that claim.
What's the photosensitization risk?
Chlorophyll can make your skin overly sensitive to sunlight, showing up as unusual redness, burns, or in rare cases blisters on your hands. If you're already on a medication that does the same thing, the risk goes up. Sunscreen and sun avoidance help, but talk to your pharmacist if you have concerns.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No — there's not enough safety data during pregnancy, so the evidence advises against it. Talk with your doctor before using it.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
We don't have enough information on safety during breastfeeding. It's best to avoid it unless your doctor tells you it's okay for your situation.
What exactly is chlorella?
It's a single-celled freshwater algae. This product is pure chlorella — one ingredient — and the 20 mg of chlorophyll per tablet is the compound thought to do the work.

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

Not sure if Natural Chlorella 500 mg 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.

Natural Chlorella 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Natural 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 18 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 →

Chlorophyll 5 references
  1. Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38. PubMed
  2. Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.
  3. Brooks SL, Sanders J, Seymour JF, Mellor JD. A case of delayed methotrexate clearance following administration of a complementary medication containing chlorophyll. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014 Jun;20(3):225-8. PubMed
  4. Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. PubMed
  5. Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorophyll 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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