The nutritional needs and eating habits of our kids change a lot. Raising a good eater can take some creativity, but proper nourishment is important for growth and development.
As we help our kids become independent eaters who enjoy a variety of foods, chlorella can make an excellent addition to your child’s diet.
While chlorella is a great supplement for kids, many families also include a daily multivitamin and probiotic so they don’t miss out on anything they need for complete health.
We will explore chlorella, how it can benefit kids, and creative ways to sneak more nutrients into your child’s diet.
What Is Chlorella, And Is It Safe For Children?
Sometimes kids have a talent for avoiding the most nutritious part of a meal. This means children can lack key vitamins and minerals that their growing bodies need.
Chlorella is a nutrient-dense superfood made from freshwater green algae.
So, what is chlorella used for?
Chlorella was first produced in Asia and used mainly in Japan. Traditionally, chlorella treated health conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, body odor, high blood pressure, and low vitamin B12 levels. It’s now available as a dietary supplement worldwide to promote health.
The superfood has an impressive nutrient profile that supports the immune system, gut, and growth. As they grow, kids need a constant supply of recommended daily vitamins and minerals.
Adding chlorella can help add a nutritional edge.
Most green veggies are high in chlorophyll, but chlorella takes it to the next level. Chlorophyll is an antioxidant that’s responsible for the green color in plants and works to detox the body and strengthen the immune system.
Chlorella is full of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Iron
- Protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B Vitamins
- Carotenoids
Key Health Benefits of Chlorella for Kids
The vitamins and minerals in chlorella are essential for things like the immune system, growth, energy levels, and digestion.
Chlorella appears to have a unique ability to support the body’s normal detoxification process by binding to heavy metals and flushing them out of the body.
What are the specific health benefits of chlorella for kids?
Chlorella is rich in vitamins A and B12 and antioxidants that support hair, nails, and skin. It’s a natural source of biotin which can help keep the skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy.
Other potential chlorella health benefits for kids include:
- Promote brain development
- Reduce inflammation
- Encourage healthy teeth and gums
- Boost immune system
- Promote healthy digestion
- Support growth and development
How can chlorella support your child's immune system?
While we can’t protect our kids from every bug and germ, we can create a diet with plenty of immune-boosting nutrients.
This study shows that Chlorella may increase white blood count, helping to keep the immune system balanced and fight off infection.
Chlorella can help with your child's energy levels and focus
Chlorella contains energy-boosting nutrients like vitamin B12 and healthy fats.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system, brain development, concentration, energy levels, and general mental ability.
How can chlorella promote healthy digestion in children?
Better digestion in children means that kids absorb more nutrients from food, which is especially important for development and overall health.
Chlorella is naturally rich in dietary fiber to support regular bowel movements and healthy digestion.
Chlorella can help with your child's overall growth and development milestones.
Chlorella growth factor, or CGF, is only found in chlorella algae. CGF may help with tissue repair and growth, which is especially helpful during growing periods.
How long does it take to see the effects of chlorella in children?
It’s difficult to say exactly, but research into the time it takes for chlorella to take effect shows results ranging from four weeks to three months.
Chlorella as a Source of Essential Nutrients
Proper nutrition gives our kids the best start possible. It helps them maintain a robust immune system, prevents obesity, and promotes strong bones and teeth.
Superfoods can help kids get nutrients crucial for growth that are easy to miss.
What nutrients are found in chlorella that are important for children?
Chlorella contains vitamins C, D, B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit children’s health, growth, and development.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for building strong and healthy bones. Healthy fats support the nervous system and brain. Iron helps maintain healthy red blood cells that transport oxygen around the body.
Chlorella can help with your child's nutrient absorption
Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth, while vitamin C helps the body to absorb more iron.
That’s why experts recommend serving vitamin C-rich veggies alongside iron-rich foods to boost the way the body absorbs iron and help kids get the most out of their food.
Can chlorella help children with allergies or sensitivities?
Initial research and self-reports show that chlorella has anti-allergy properties, which may help children with allergies.
How to Incorporate Chlorella into Kids' Diets
Here are some practical tips for introducing chlorella into your kid’s diet.
Chlorella is suitable for picky eaters and children with dietary restrictions.
Chlorella supplements come in different forms, like powders, tinctures, and tablets, and are suitable for a range of diets, including vegan and vegetarian.
For picky eaters, you can mix the powder into your child’s favorite foods to disguise the taste. Because chlorella is so easy to mix with smoothies and other foods, children can benefit from the supplement without much fuss.
How to incorporate chlorella into your child's diet?
Try adding chlorella powder to some kid-friendly favorites:
- Green juices
- Popsicles
- Smoothies
- Homemade energy bars
- Soups
- Baked goods
What are some creative and kid-friendly chlorella recipes?
We love easy chlorella recipes that don’t take too long and are always a hit with the kids. The best chlorella smoothie recipe for kids is simple.
Blend their favorite smoothie with the recommended serving of chlorella. Or try this popsicle recipe on a hot day:
- Chlorella Strawberry Popsicles - mix 2-3 cups of strawberries, ½ cup of coconut milk, and one serving of chlorella powder in a blender. Pour the mixture into the mold and freeze. Produces 8-10 popsicles. You can also mix in a kids multivitamin to increase nutrient density of the smoothie.
What is the daily chlorella dosage for kids?
While The American Academy of Pediatrics has no official recommended chlorella dosage for children, some studies suggest that infants and children should have no more than 130 mcg per day. Like any supplement, check the guidelines on the packaging and consult your healthcare provider beforehand.
Safety and Precautions
When looking for where to buy chlorella, choose high-quality and reputable brands that offer complete transparency about their products.
Here are some chlorella side effects and precautions to be aware of:
Side effects or precautions associated with giving chlorella to children
While many parents give chlorella to their children without any side effects, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor beforehand.
People who are allergic to mold may be allergic to chlorella. The superfood can produce side effects in children, specifically in the first week of taking it, including:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Green stools
Chlorella can also increase sun sensitivity. In rare cases, there are reports of allergic reactions to algae, resulting in asthma and breathing problems.
Are there any specific age restrictions for giving chlorella to children?
The National Institutes of Health recommends vitamin supplements, specifically vitamin D, from 1-13 years. Other health bodies suggest that children be given supplements from six months to five years, especially ones containing vitamins A, C, and D. Many children don’t get enough iron, iodine, vitamin A, and vitamin D in their diet. Health experts recommend chlorella as a great source of vitamin B12, especially for kids following a vegetarian diet.
As with any supplements, parents should always check the age suitability of chlorella products and consult their doctor before introducing them to their kid’s routine.
Can chlorella be safely used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Chlorella is generally regarded as safe by the FDA. It’s possibly safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, with studies showing an increase in carotenes in breast milk.
The superfood may also help with low iron levels during pregnancy. You should speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Does chlorella have any potential interactions with medications or other supplements?
Chlorella has been found to interact with photosensitizing and blood clotting medication. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.
Scientific Studies Supporting The Use Of Chlorella For Children's Health
One study found that chlorella could be part of an effective strategy to prevent tooth decay. Interestingly, research into the effects of chlorella on breastfeeding found that supplementing chlorella may reduce the levels of environmental pollutants transferred to the child through breast milk. The beneficial effects may extend to nursing infants by increasing immunoglobulin A levels in breast milk, which play a role in preventing infection.
Other studies have found that chlorella increases white blood cells, helping to fight off infection and support a healthy immune system. Research shows that chlorella has beneficial properties like anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor.
The information we have surrounding chlorella’s bioactive compounds is limited, but its potential is huge. Chlorella is packed with nutrients, and many families already enjoy the benefits.
Chlorella vs. Other Superfoods for Kids
Chlorella isn’t the only superfood for kids on the market; no doubt parents will come across spirulina and moringa; here’s the difference.
Chlorella vs Spirulina
Chlorella has an earthy flavor, and spirulina, another type of algae, can taste more like seaweed. Both contain similar nutrients, but chlorella has higher levels of vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Moringa vs. Chlorella
Moringa is a plant native to India with a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor, almost similar to matcha. Both moringa and chlorella are known for their high, immune-boosting vitamin C content.
In terms of protein, moringa has the upper hand, but when it comes to fiber and digestion, chlorella is the clear winner. For children, a healthy gut and regular bowel movements are a good sign of health.
Conclusion
Chlorella is a nutritional powerhouse that can be a part of a child’s balanced and healthy eating plan.
We know there’s no substitute for a healthy diet and how important it is to build healthy eating habits from a young age.
But we also know that even with the best intentions, children can be fussy eaters, and it’s easy to miss out on key nutrients for growth and development.
By finding simple, nutritious, and natural solutions, we can look to raise healthy, happy kids.
Sources:
Micronutrients | World Health Organization
My child wants to be a vegetarian. Is that ok? | healthy children
Vitamin D | National Institutes of Health
Chlorella | Drugs and Lactation Database
Human milk IgA concentrations during the first year of lactation | BMJ Journals
Chlorella: Are There Health Benefits? | WebMD
Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health | Nutrients
