Chlorella is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Most of the chlorella that is available in the U.S. is grown in Japan or Taiwan. It's made into tablets and liquid extracts. Chlorella is used to prevent low levels of iron during pregnancy.

Supporters of chlorella say it is a highly nutritious dietary supplement that can make up for some of the nutrient deficiencies that vegetarians and vegans commonly experience. Some early scientific evidence supports its use in boosting health and wellbeing, but more research is necessary to confirm these claims.

As a medicine, chlorella is used for preventing cancer, reducing radiation treatment side effects, stimulating the immune system, improving response to flu vaccine, increasing white blood cell counts (especially in people with HIV infection or cancer), preventing colds, protecting the body against toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and slowi...