Known for its high chlorophyll content and the presence of vitamin B12, chlorella also stands out for other remarkable properties.
Discover the nutritional composition of chlorella in detail:
Protein
Chlorella is rich in plant protein (50% of its weight), which is easily absorbed once the chlorella cell wall has been opened. It contains all 8 amino acids that are essential for adults.
Lipids
Fatty acids make up 10% of chlorella and are mainly polyunsaturated. Omega-3s account for 35% of the lipids in chlorella.
Fibre
The fibre in the chlorella cell wall accounts for 15% of its weight. It is indigestible and has to be broken down so that the microalga’s components can be absorbed.
Vitamins
Chlorella contains many vitamins, which underpin some of its properties. They occur naturally in chlorella, notably vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, K and E. Vitamin B12 is absent from all common plant foods, so chlorella is a valuable source for vegetarians and vegans[1].
Minerals
Chlorella contains large amounts of minerals (10% of its composition).
Pigments
Chlorella owes its green colour to chlorophyll. It is the plant richest in this pigment, which makes up 2 to 4% of its weight.
Sources
[1] Merchant RE. & al.: Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa Lowers Serum Methylmalonic Acid in Vegans and Vegetarians with a Suspected Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1357-62. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0056.
