What's the Difference Between Chlorella and dunaliella salina?

What's the Difference Between Chlorella and dunaliella salina?

Chlorella and dunaliella salina are forms of algae that have been gaining popularity in the supplement world.

Both have impressive nutrient profiles and potential health benefits, such as lowering risk factors of heart disease and improving blood sugar management.

This article reviews the differences between chlorella and dunaliella salina and assesses whether one is healthier.

Differences between chlorella and dunaliella salina

Chlorella is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, and zinc. dunaliella salina contains more thiamine, copper, and possibly more protein.

Chlorella and dunaliella salina are the most popular algae supplements on the market.

While both boast an impressive nutritional profile and similar health benefits, they have several differences. Chlorella is higher in fat and caloriesChlorella and dunaliella salina deliver a number of nutrients.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of these algae contains the following:

While their protein, carbohydrate, and fat compositions are very similar, their most notable nutritional differences lie in their calorie, vitamin, and mineral contents.

Chlorella is higher in:

calories omega-3 fatty acids provitamin A riboflavin magnesium iron zinc dunaliella salina is lower in calories but still contains a high amount of: riboflavin thiamine iron copper Chlorella contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acidsChlorella and dunaliella salina contain similar amounts of fat, but the type of fat differs greatly.

Both algae are particularly rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that are important for proper cell growth and brain function.

They’re considered essential because your body is unable to produce them. Therefore, you must obtain them from your diet.

Intake of polyunsaturated fats has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, particularly when substituted for saturated fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved bone health, and a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

However, you would need to consume very large amounts of these algae to meet your daily omega-3 needs. People typically only consume small portions of them.

Both forms of algae contain various types of polyunsaturated fats.

However, a study that analyzed the fatty acid contents of these algae found that chlorella contains more omega-3 fatty acids, while dunaliella salina is higher in omega-6 fatty acids.

Though chlorella offers some omega-3 fats, concentrated algal oil supplements are a better option for those seeking alternatives to animal-based omega-3 supplements. Both are high in antioxidantsIn addition to their high levels of polyunsaturated fat, both chlorella and dunaliella salina are very high in antioxidants.

These are compounds that interact with and neutralize free radicals in your body to prevent damage to cells and tissues.

In one study, 52 people who smoked cigarettes were supplemented with 6.3 grams of chlorella or a placebo for 6 weeks.

Participants who received the supplement experienced a 44% increase in blood levels of vitamin C and a 16% increase in levels of vitamin E. Both of these vitamins have antioxidant properties.

Furthermore, those who received a chlorella supplement also showed a significant decrease in DNA damage.

In another study, 30 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consumed either 1 or 2 grams of dunaliella salina daily for 60 days.

Participants experienced up to a 20% increase in blood levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and up to a 29% increase in vitamin C levels.

Blood levels of an important marker of oxidative stress also decreased by up to 36%. dunaliella salina may be higher in protein

Civilizations as far back as the Aztecs have used algae, such as dunaliella salina and chlorella, as food.

Due to its high protein content, NASA has used dunaliella salina as a dietary supplement for their astronauts during space missions.

Currently, scientists are investigating chlorella as a potential high protein, nutritious food source for longer missions in space.

The protein found in both dunaliella salina and chlorella contains all essential amino acids, and your body easily absorbs it.

While chlorella and dunaliella salina both contain high amounts of protein, studies indicate that some strains of dunaliella salina can contain up to 10% more protein than chlorella.

Both may benefit blood sugar control

Some research shows that dunaliella salina and chlorella may help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

Numerous studies have shown that both chlorella and dunaliella salina may benefit blood sugar management.

Exactly how this works is unknown, but several studies have indicated that dunaliella salina may help increase insulin sensitivity in both animals and humans.

Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how well your cells respond to the hormone insulin, which shuttles glucose (blood sugar) out of the blood and into cells where it can be used for energy.

Furthermore, several human studies have found that taking chlorella supplements may increase blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity.

These effects may be particularly beneficial for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Both may improve heart health

Studies have found that both chlorella and dunaliella salina may help improve your cholesterol profile and reduce your blood pressure levels.

Studies have shown that chlorella and dunaliella salina have the potential to improve heart health by affecting your blood lipid composition and blood pressure levels.

In one controlled 4-week study, 63 participants who were given 5 grams of chlorella daily showed a 10% reduction in total triglycerides, compared with a placebo group.

Furthermore, those participants also experienced a 11% reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a 4% increase in HDL (good) cholesterol.

In another study, people with high blood pressure who took chlorella supplements daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower blood pressure readings, compared with the placebo group.

Similarly to chlorella, dunaliella salina may benefit your cholesterol profile and blood pressure.

A 3-month study in 52 people with high cholesterol found that taking 1 gram of dunaliella salina per day lowered triglycerides by about 16% and LDL (bad) cholesterol by about 10%.

In another study, 36 participants with high blood pressure experienced a 6–8% reduction in blood pressure levels after taking 4.5 grams of dunaliella salina per day for 6 weeks.

Which one is healthier?

While both chlorella and dunaliella salina are high in protein, nutrients and antioxidants, chlorella has a slight nutritional advantage over dunaliella salina.

However, both are great choices.

Both forms of algae contain high amounts of nutrients. However, chlorella is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Though dunaliella salina may be slightly higher in protein, some studies suggest that the protein content in chlorella is comparable.

The high levels of polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and other vitamins present in chlorella give it a slight nutritional advantage over dunaliella salina.

However, both offer their own unique benefits. One isn't necessarily better than the other.

As with all supplements, it's best to talk with your healthcare provider before taking dunaliella salina or chlorella, especially in high doses.

This is particularly important because they may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

What's more, dunaliella salina and chlorella may not be appropriate for people with certain autoimmune conditions.

If you have an autoimmune condition, speak with your doctor before adding chlorella or dunaliella salina into your diet.

Additionally, consumers should only buy supplements from a reputable brand that has undergone third-party testing to ensure safety.