Chlorella vs Spirulina

Chlorella vs Spirulina

chlorella spirulina


The question often comes up, “What’s the difference between Chlorella and Spirulina?”  Both are very similar in content.  Chlorella is a green alga, where Spirulina is sometimes thought of as a blue-green alga but in actuality is a cyanobacteria. Outside the species distinction, the main difference between the two is the amount of different nutrients each contains.

For example, Chlorella contains more Fiber and Magnesium compared to Spirulina (which contains more Potassium & Calcium).  This is why taking both can be thought of as the ultimate multivitamin multi-mineral & can provide the body with an even more balanced amount of health promoting nutrients.

Another big difference between the two is that Chlorella has been shown to contain the actual bioavailable form of Vitamin B12, whereas Spirulina has be shown to contain a pseudoform of B12, which is not thought to be bioavailable.  Both Chlorella & Spirulina are complete proteins and contain on average 60% protein.

Starting out its usually recommended to begin with Chlorella, and when needing to choose between the two, Chlorella is recommended over Spirulina because of its higher fiber content and detoxing properties. 

Occasionally an exception to these recommendations will arise when you have an individual with significant digestive issues and/or has been found to not tolerate Chlorella very well.

In this situation it would be recommend to start with Spirulina. However, overall its typically recommended for individuals to begin with Chlorella and then transition to both.  By consuming both you provide your body with a dynamic diversity of nutrients through two high density foods.

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