Torrance, CA—Sun Chlorella, based here, recently released some preliminary results of an open-label study testing whether one of its chlorella supplements (Sun Chlorella “A”) can benefit vegans and vegetarians with a B12 deficiency. According to the company, Chlorella pyrenoidosa contains substantial amounts of vitamin B12 and is one of few non-animals sources that contains good amounts of B12.

Individuals took the supplement (9 g, which is estimated to offer 21 μg of vitamin B12) for about two months, and blood samples were taken to see whether the supplement increased vitamin B12 levels, decreased homocysteine levels, decreased red blood cells volume and increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Researchers also wanted to see whether the supplement increased immunoglobulin A in saliva. The 10 people who completed the study averaged a 20% reduction in red blood cells volume, which went back up after supplementation ended. In addition, B12 levels increased in seven of the volunteers (by 6–89% from visits two to four); homocysteine levels declined in six subjects (range of 2–29% from visits two to four).

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2015 (online 1/12/2015)