Should pregnant and breastfeeding women take chlorella supplements?

Chlorella has long been touted as the wonder food from the sea. This mineral-rich blue-green algae repairs damaged cells tissue, purifies the body from environmental toxins, elevates red blood cell levels, increases vitality and health and has even been praised for its beneficial effects on cancer patients. But is chlorella for everyone? Should pregnant and nursing women take chlorella?

Chlorella at one time had a bad reputation because of its association with herbs that were not pregnancy-friendly. A greens mixture which is considered unhealthy for pregnant women contains not only chlorella, but herbs that do not sustain pregnancy, such as Siberian ginseng and gingko biloba. Many other herbs including lemongrass, dong quai and echinacea should not be taken by pregnant women, even in small quantities. Because chlorella is often combined with these herbs, there is a misconception that chlorella is also off-limits for pregnant women. However, chlorella is also a favorite ingredient in many pre-natal vitamin and herbal formulas, and is not only safe for pregnant women, but also contains properties which support pregnancy and specifically meet the nutritional needs of pregnant and nursing women. Organic formulas that combine chlorella with wheat germ, soy protein, spirulina and barley malt meet the California Department of Health guidelines and are recommended as part of the well-respected Brewer Diet for pregnant women.

Chlorella is rich in folic acid, an important nutrient lacking in the typical Western diet, but which is necessary in early pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Chlorella rids the body of impurities and restores the vitality of nursing women who often become fatigued from the drain of vitamins and minerals as the result of short or long-term nursing. Every pregnant woman is encouraged to increase her intake of iron, and most doctors prescribe iron pills, but chlorella improves hemoglobin levels more quickly and efficiently than iron pills. One midwife reports that one of her clients experienced two first trimester miscarriages after a history of several normal deliveries. A blood test revealed that she suffered from low red-blood cell levels which increased to normal levels after taking chlorella, and the woman delivered her next child at term.

Why is chlorella so effective at boosting red-blood cell counts? Chlorella is chemically similar to hemoglobin; chlorella has a molecule of magnesium where hemoglobin has a molecule of iron. Chlorella also promotes healthy blood clotting which prevents maternal hemorrhage. Common symptoms of pregnancy such as constipation and heart burn are compounded by the use of iron pills; chlorella provides the same benefits as iron pills without the resultant negative side effects. In fact, Chlorella may treat pre-natal constipation since it has a laxative effect.

Although Chlorella’s safe and effective curative powers have benefited many pregnant and nursing women, it is important to consult a physician before taking any medicine or supplements. It is also important to check the label for ingredients such as ginseng, gingko biloba and other herbs which should not be taken by pregnant women.