Chlorella has been found to have anti-tumor properties when fed to mice.[5][6][7] Another study found enhanced vascular function in hypertensive rats given oral doses of chlorella.[8]
Chlorella is a complete protein source.[dubious – discuss] It is also packed with calories, fat, and vitamins.[3] At its onset, Chlorella was suggested as a "dirt-cheap" protein supplement to the human diet. However, later studies proved otherwise. Chlorella actually loses most of its nutritional value when altered or processed in any way. No longer considered an effective protein, pro-Chlorella supporters focused on other supposed health benefits of the algae, such as claims of weight control, cancer prevention, and immune system support.[3]
Under certain growing conditions, Chlorella yields oils high in polyunsaturated fats—Chlorella minutissima has yielded EPA at 39.9% of total lipids.[9]
Several studies suggest that Chlorella supplementation has a positive effect on the reduction of dioxin levels in breast milk and it may also have beneficial effects on nursing infants by increasing the IgA levels in breast milk.[10]