Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) Supplementation Decreases Dioxin and Increases Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Breast Milk

Abstract

In addition to meeting nutritional requirements, breast milk plays important roles in biodefense for nursing infants. Dioxins have been detected at high concentrations in breast milk, raising concerns about disorders in nursing infants caused by breast milk containing dioxins in Japan. We analyzed dioxin levels in breast milk and maternal blood samples from 35 pregnant women in Japan. We also measured immunoglobulin (Ig) A concentrations in breast milk and investigated correlations with dioxin concentrations. In addition, 18 of the 35 women took Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Chlorella) supplements during pregnancy, and the effects on dioxin and IgA concentrations in breast milk were investigated. Toxic equivalents were significantly lower in the breast milk of women taking Chlorella tablets than in the Control group (P = .003). These results suggest that Chlorella supplementation by the mother may reduce transfer of dioxins to the child through breast milk. No significant correlation was identified between dioxin and IgA concentrations in breast milk in the Control group. It is unlikely that normal levels of dioxin exposure via food have a remarkable influence on IgA in breast milk. IgA concentrations in breast milk in the Chlorella group were significantly higher than in the Control group (P = .03). Increasing IgA levels in breast milk is considered to be effective for reducing the risk of infection in nursing infants. The present results suggest that Chlorella supplementation not only reduces dioxin levels in breast milk, but may also have beneficial effects on nursing infants by increasing IgA levels in breast milk.

Distribution of Glyphosate in Chicken Organs and its Reduction by Humic Acid Supplementation

“…The use of oral supplements of Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been reported to significantly reduce dioxin levels in breast milk of 35 nursing women in Japan (Nakano et al, 2007). Also Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced liver toxicity and cadmium-accumulation in cadmium poisoned rats (Shim et al, 2008).…”

Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin a secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study

“…It is possible that the multicomponent dietary supplement acts to correct some underlying nutrient/nutrients deficiency and hence gets the positive outcomes such as immunoenhancing effects. Indeed, chlorella-derived supplements are widely used [20] and believed to enhance immune function [21,22]. A previous study has investigated serum antibody titers against influenza and shown the immunoenhancing effects of chlorella ingestion in middle-aged healthy adults [22].…”

The Effects of Different Levels Chlorell Microalgae on Performance and Immune Response of Laying Hens Under Heat Stress Condition

“…Advocates sometimes focus on other supposed health benefits of the algae, such as claims of weight control, cancer prevention, and immune system support (Warren, 1997). One small (35 participant) study suggested Chlorella supplementation has a positive effect on the reduction of dioxin levels in breast milk and it may also have beneficial effects on nursing infants by increasing the IgA levels in breast milk (Nakano et al, 2007). The most important substance in C h l o re l l a i s β -1 , 3 -g l u c a n , wh i c h i s a n a c t ive immunostimulator, a free radical scavenger and a reducer of blood lipids (9; Ryll et al, Abstr.…”