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Types of Chlorella: Forms & Bioavailability

Reviewed by·PharmD, BCPS

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Broken Cell Wall TabletsHighStandard supplementation — cell wall is cracked for digestibility while preserving binding properties; most studied form
PowderHighSmoothies and green drinks — allows flexible dosing; strong green taste that pairs well with fruit and citrus
Liquid ExtractVery HighConcentrated CGF supplementation — liquid extracts often concentrate Chlorella Growth Factor; fastest absorption

Broken Cell Wall Tablets

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Standard supplementation — cell wall is cracked for digestibility while preserving binding properties; most studied form.

Powder

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Smoothies and green drinks — allows flexible dosing; strong green taste that pairs well with fruit and citrus.

Liquid Extract

Bioavailability: Very High. Best for: Concentrated CGF supplementation — liquid extracts often concentrate Chlorella Growth Factor; fastest absorption.

Full Chlorella Guide

References

  1. Kwak JH, Baek SH, Woo Y, Han JK, Kim BG, Kim OY, Shin JH (2012). Beneficial immunostimulatory effect of short-term Chlorella supplementation: enhancement of natural killer cell activity and early inflammatory response. Nutrition Journal. DOI PubMed
  2. Ryu NH, Lim Y, Park JE, Kim J, Kim JY, Kwon SW, Kwon O (2014). Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. Nutrition Journal. DOI PubMed
  3. Uchikawa T, Kumamoto Y, Maruyama I, Kumamoto S, Ando Y, Yasutake A (2010). Enhanced elimination of tissue methylmercury in Parachlorella beijerinckii-fed mice. Journal of Toxicological Sciences. PubMed
  4. Azocar J, Diaz A (2013). Efficacy and safety of Chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. World Journal of Gastroenterology. DOI PubMed
  5. Merchant RE, Andre CA (2001). A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. PubMed
  6. Panahi Y, Darvishi B, Jowzi N, Beiraghdar F, Sahebkar A (2016). Chlorella vulgaris: a multifunctional dietary supplement with diverse medicinal properties. Current Pharmaceutical Design. DOI PubMed
  7. Otsuki T, Shimizu K, Iemitsu M, Kono I (2011). Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans. Nutrition Journal. DOI PubMed