Chlorella for Depression: Does It Help?

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 26275653

Quick Summary: A study found that taking a Chlorella extract alongside standard antidepressant medication helped reduce physical and mental symptoms of depression, as well as anxiety.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at whether adding a Chlorella extract to the usual treatment for depression could help. They found that people taking Chlorella experienced:

Fewer physical symptoms of depression (like fatigue or body aches).

Improved cognitive symptoms (like difficulty concentrating).

Reduced anxiety levels.

It's important to note that the Chlorella didn't seem to help as much with emotional symptoms of depression (like sadness) compared to the control group.

Study Details

Who was studied: 92 adults who were already taking medication for major depression.

How long: The study lasted for 6 weeks.

What they took: Half the group took 1800mg of a Chlorella extract daily, in addition to their regular antidepressant. The other half continued with their antidepressant only.

What This Means For You

If you're currently taking medication for depression, this research suggests that adding a Chlorella extract might help with some of the physical and mental symptoms, as well as anxiety. However, it's crucial to remember:

Talk to your doctor first: Don't start taking Chlorella without consulting your healthcare provider. They can advise you on whether it's safe for you and how it might interact with your current medications.

It's not a replacement: Chlorella shouldn't replace your prescribed antidepressant. It was used in addition to the medication in this study.

Focus on the whole picture: While Chlorella may help with some symptoms, it's important to address all aspects of your mental health, including emotional well-being.

Study Limitations

It's important to be aware of the study's limitations:

Small Study: The study only included a small number of people, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Short Timeframe: The study only lasted 6 weeks. We don't know if the benefits would last longer.

No Placebo: There was no group taking a "dummy pill" (placebo), so it's hard to know if the improvements were solely due to the Chlorella.

More Research Needed: This was an initial study. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand how Chlorella works.

Key Findings

The study found that 6 weeks of adjunctive Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVE) supplementation (1800 mg/day) significantly reduced physical and cognitive depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and anxiety (HADS) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) already on antidepressants. However, affective symptoms improved more in the control group. CVE was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Study Design

This was a randomized, controlled, pilot trial involving 92 adults (42 CVE, 50 control) diagnosed with MDD per DSM-IV criteria. Participants continued standard antidepressant therapy while the CVE group received supplementation for 6 weeks. Outcomes were measured using validated scales (BDI-II, HADS).

Dosage & Administration

CVE was administered as 1800 mg/day of a chemically defined, antioxidant-rich extract in tablet form. The control group maintained standard antidepressant therapy without additional intervention.

Results & Efficacy

BDI-II Total Score: CVE reduced by -4.14 (95% CI: -5.30 to -2.97, p=0.003) vs. control.
BDI-II Subscales:
Physical symptoms: -2.34 (95% CI: -2.84 to -1.84, p<0.001)
Cognitive symptoms: -1.12 (95% CI: -1.62 to -0.61, p=0.017)
Affective symptoms: Control group improved more (difference: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.18–0.72, p=0.019).
HADS Total Score: CVE reduced by -3.71 (95% CI: -4.44 to -2.98, p<0.001).
HADS Subscales:
Depression: -1.46 (95% CI: -2.02 to -0.90, p<0.001)
Anxiety: -2.25 (95% CI: -2.74 to -1.76, p<0.001).
All significant results had p<0.05, with effect sizes favoring CVE except for affective symptoms.

Limitations

Small Sample Size: 92 participants limit generalizability.
Short Duration: 6 weeks may not capture long-term efficacy or safety.
No Placebo Control: Potential for bias due to lack of placebo group.
Limited Demographics: Age, gender, or baseline depression severity not detailed.
Exploratory Nature: Results require replication in larger, placebo-controlled trials.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals on antidepressants, adding CVE may enhance reductions in physical/cognitive depressive symptoms and anxiety. However, it did not improve affective symptoms and should not replace standard care. The safety profile supports its use as an adjunct, but further research is needed to confirm benefits and optimal dosing. Users should consult healthcare providers before combining supplements with medication.

Source: PubMed (2015)