Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Chlorella vulgaris as a functional food and nutraceutical: bioactive composition, health-promoting mechanisms, applications, and current challenges

Muhammad Abdur Rehman Shah, Fengzheng Gao, Feifei Zhu, Xinjuan Hu, Sadaf‐Ilyas Kayani, Ammar AL-Farga, Sirasit Srinuanpan, Shuhao Huo

Food & Function · 2026

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Summary

This narrative review examines Chlorella vulgaris as a sustainable microalga-based food source, synthesising evidence on its bioactive composition and potential health-promoting mechanisms. The authors discuss applications as a functional food and nutraceutical whilst identifying current challenges in development and implementation, contributing to the growing interest in microalgae as nutrient-dense alternatives within sustainable food systems.

Regional applicability

Findings on the nutritional and functional properties of Chlorella vulgaris are globally applicable, though UK uptake of microalgae as functional foods remains limited. Implementation would depend on UK regulatory frameworks for novel foods and consumer acceptance of algal products.

Key measures

Bioactive compounds, nutritional composition, health-promoting mechanisms, functional food applications

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the bioactive composition of Chlorella vulgaris and its health-promoting mechanisms as a functional food and nutraceutical. It examines applications and current challenges in utilising this microalga as a sustainable, nutrient-dense food source.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Phytochemicals & bioactive compounds
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Aquaculture
DOI
10.1039/d6fo00663a
Catalogue ID
SNmvvx3ci0-d60jat

Topic tags

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