About 60% of Chlorella is protein, and about 20% consists of carbohydrates and fats. The proteins of Chlorella contain all the amino acids known to be essensial for the nutrition of animal and human beings. In its amino acid composition, the quality of Chlorella protein can well be compared to animal proteins, the only
drawback being its lower content of methionine. However, in certain ceses (e.g. cancer) this may be an advantage since many cancers depend on methionine for growth. The vitamins found in Chlorella cells include: vitamin C, provitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, pantothenic acid, folid acid, vitamin B-12, biotin, choline, vitamin K, lipoic acid, inositol, and paraaminobenzoic acid. The minerals include: phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt. Such high nutrient content enables Chlorella to be of potential benefit to third world nations as a food source  for their starving masses. In affluent countries on the other hand, it could be used as a high protein supplement for weight control as Dhyana Bewicke describes in her book "Chlorella: The Emerald Food".