Limited evidenceGeneral health

Heavy Metal Detox Formulas

Blends of chlorella, cilantro and "binders" such as zeolite or modified citrus pectin, sold on the premise that most people carry a hidden metal burden. No such blend has been shown in humans to lower body levels of lead, mercury or cadmium.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Chlorella increases metal excretion Limited evidence
Rodent studies show that Parachlorella accelerates lead excretion, and an animal model found chlorella modestly increased elimination of radioactive strontium. These are animal decorporation experiments; no human trial has shown that chlorella lowers blood or bone lead.
Cilantro as a chelator Limited evidence
The claim that coriander binds mercury traces back to a single small uncontrolled report and has not produced any PubMed-indexed randomised human evidence. Searches for controlled trials of cilantro for metal chelation return nothing usable.
"Detox" protocols can cause harm Moderate evidence
A Cochrane review of chelation for autism spectrum disorder found no evidence of benefit and documented serious adverse events, including a death from hypocalcaemia. This is the closest well-studied analogue to consumer detox protocols and the result is negative.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo validated dose exists. Blends typically supply 1–3 g/day of chlorella plus small amounts of cilantro extract and a binder. Genuine metal poisoning is treated with prescription chelators under monitoring, not supplements.

SafetyThe chief harm is diagnostic: relying on these products delays proper testing and treatment when metal exposure is real. Provoked (post-chelator) urine metal testing, often used to sell these protocols, is not a valid diagnostic method. Chlorella can cause GI upset and photosensitivity, is high in vitamin K (warfarin interaction), and some algal products have been contaminated. Aggressive binder use can also reduce absorption of essential minerals and of medications.

Scientific references

Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N — Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2015
Parachlorella beyerinckii accelerates lead excretion in mice
Uchikawa T, Ueno T, Hasegawa T — Toxicol Ind Health, 2009
Evaluation of Chlorella as a Decorporation Agent to Enhance the Elimination of Radioactive Strontium from Body
Ogawa K, Fukuda T, Han J — PLoS One, 2016

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

Related in General health

Vitamin D3 Strong evidence
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) Moderate evidence
Vitamin B12 Strong evidence
Multivitamin Limited evidence
Iron Strong evidence
Iodine Moderate evidence