Effects of Chlorella Supplementation in the Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Studies
Maria Laura da Silva
UFRPE, Recife-PE, Brazil.
Elton Santos Guedes de Morais
UFRPE, Recife-PE, Brazil.
Newton Antas Pereira
UFRPE, Recife-PE, Brazil.
Cíntia Chaves
UFRPE, Recife-PE, Brazil.
Pedro Henrique Imazaki
INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France.
Clarissa Detomi de Albuquerque
IATE, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
Elizabeth Sampaio de Medeiros
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil.
Anísio Francisco Soares *
Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This review aimed to evaluate the potential of Chlorella supplementation as a natural alternative for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia, emphasizing its nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and effects on hematological parameters.
Study Design: Systematic and descriptive-analytical review of clinical and experimental studies.
Place and Duration of Study: Studies published between 2014 and 2024, conducted in different regions, were included without geographical restriction.
Methodology: A total of 70 scientific articles were initially identified. After applying eligibility criteria and assessing methodological quality, 36 studies were selected for analysis. The review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using controlled descriptors and Boolean operators, such as ("nutritional profile" OR "nutritional composition") AND ("Chlorella vulgaris" OR "Chlorella spp"); ("Anemia" AND "Chlorella microalgae"); ("Iron Supplementation"); and ("proteins" OR "lipids" OR "carbohydrates" OR "amino acids" OR "antioxidants" OR "bioactive compounds").
Results: Evidence suggests that Chlorella supplementation may improve hematological parameters, particularly hemoglobin levels, due to its high iron bioavailability and additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Compared with conventional therapies, Chlorella was generally associated with better tolerability and fewer adverse effects, potentially improving adherence. However, the absence of large-scale, long-term trials and limited direct comparisons with pharmaceutical iron restrict the generalization of current findings.
Conclusion: Chlorella represents a promising complementary approach for the management of mild to moderate iron-deficiency anemia. Further multicenter and long-term clinical trials are required to confirm its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, as well as to define its potential role in standard therapeutic protocols.
Keywords: Microalga, Chlorella, iron-deficiency anemia, bioactive compounds