Lee Swanson Research Update

Chlorella Supplements Enhance Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine

December 2003

Researchers in Halifax gave the following reason for their study. "Enhancement of immune function has been claimed as a benefit of some natural health products, although few have been subjected to randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the effect of an oral dietary supplement derived from the edible microalga chlorella on immune response after influenza vaccination." What they found "was an increase in antibody response among participants aged 50-55 years."

The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, community-based clinical trial involved 124 healthy adults at least 50 years of age. They received either 200 mg or 400 mg of a chlorella-derived dietary supplement or a placebo. Participants took the chlorella or placebo once daily for 28 days. On day 21, all subjects were administered a vaccine with three different influenza strains. Researchers found that people between 50 and 55 years old taking 400 mg of chlorella daily experienced "significantly higher" antibody response against two of the influenza strains after being vaccinated.

Canadian Medical Association Journal 169(2):111-116, 2003

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