Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Overview

Conjugated linoleic acid refers to a type of fat. Dairy products and beef are the major sources of conjugated linoleic acid in the diet. An average diet supplies 15-174 mg of conjugated linoleic acid daily.

Conjugated linoleic acid is commonly taken by mouth for weight loss. It is also often used for bodybuilding and fitness, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fat

Primary Functions:

Weight Loss

Also Known As:

Acide Linoléique Conjugué, Acide Linoléique Conjugué Cis-9

How Does It Work?

Conjugated linoleic acid might help reduce body fat deposits and improve immune function.

Uses

  • High blood pressure. Taking conjugated linoleic acid along with the blood pressure drug ramipril seems to reduce blood pressure more than ramipril alone in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • Obesity. Taking conjugated linoleic acid by mouth daily might help decrease body fat in adults. Also, conjugated linoleic acid might reduce feelings of hunger, but it's not clear if this leads to reduced food intake. Conjugated linoleic acid does not seem to decrease body weight or body mass index (BMI) in most people. Also, taking conjugated linoleic acid does not seem to prevent weight gain in previously obese people who lost some weight. Adding conjugated linoleic acid to fatty foods does not seem to promote weight loss. However, adding conjugated linoleic acid to milk might help decrease body fat in obese adults. In children, taking 3 grams of conjugated linoleic acid daily seems to help reduce body fat. While conjugated linoleic acid might help reduce body weight, some research shows that taking a particular form of conjugated linoleic acid (the trans-10,cis-12 isomer) might increase risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It's not clear whether supplements containing different forms of conjugated linoleic acid have this same risk.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH

  • For obesity:a dose of 1.8 to 7 grams per day has been used. However, doses greater than 3.4 grams per day do not seem to offer any additional benefit.
  • For high blood pressure: conjugated linoleic acid 4.5 grams per day along with ramipril (Altace) 37.5 mg/day has been used for 8 weeks.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH

  • For obesity: a dose of 3 grams per day for 7 months has been used in overweight children aged 6 to 10 years.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is CLA good for weight loss?

Research in humans shows that CLA has only a modest weight loss benefit. One review of these studies evaluated its long-term effectiveness on fat loss in overweight and obese participants. It concluded that taking 2.4–6 grams per day for 6–12 months reduced body fat by 2.93 lbs (1.33 kg), compared to placebo ( 20 ).

What does conjugated linoleic acid do for the body?

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is also a popular dietary supplement that is sold with claims of helping people lose fat, maintain weight loss, retain lean muscle mass, and control type 2 diabetes -- the type of diabetes that is often associated with obesity.

Does CLA conjugated linoleic acid work?

In a review of 18 controlled trials, CLA was found to cause modest fat loss ( 29 ). The effects are most pronounced during the first six months, after which fat loss plateaus for up to two years. According to this paper, CLA can cause an average fat loss of 0.2 pounds (01. kg) per week for about six months.

Is CLA harmful?

CLA supplements may cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Some research has also documented an increase in inflammation with the use of CLA supplements.

How much weight can you lose with CLA?

Dosage and Safety

Most studies on CLA have used doses of 3.2–6.4 grams per day. One review concluded that a minimum of 3 grams daily is necessary for weight loss ( 40 ). Doses of up to 6 grams per day are considered safe, with no reports of serious adverse side effects in people ( 41 , 42 ).

Does CLA get rid of belly fat?

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is also a popular dietary supplement that is sold with claims of helping people lose fat, maintain weight loss, retain lean muscle mass, and control type 2 diabetes -- the type of diabetes that is often associated with obesity.

Is CLA bad for your kidneys?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is consumed widely as a supplement. It causes hepatomegaly in animals, but toxicological data in humans are limited. ... A daily intake of 19.3 g CLA for 3 weeks does not produce clinically relevant effects on markers of liver and kidney function in healthy volunteers.

Does CLA work without exercise?

CLA "reduces fat mass without exercise" Not only did the CLA group lose weight, but it also lost a significant amount of fat located in the legs and mid-section. According to Sandra Einerhand, director nutrition in Europe at Lipid Nutrition and presenter at DDW 2006, this study proves that Clarinol CLA shapes the body.

How long does it take for CLA to work?

Dosage. There are no established guidelines, but past studies show effects from at least 3 g a day. Studies on fat loss used between 3.4 g and 6.8 g a day. The ODS say CLA seems to be safe when people take up to 6 g per day for a year.

Can CLA make you gain weight?

CLA may decrease body fat. It may help people feel fuller after eating. However, it doesn't seem to lower a person's weight or BMI. For now, if you're looking to lose weight, there's not enough evidence to show that taking CLA will help

Does CLA increase testosterone?

The CLA increased the testosterone secretion only after 48 hours. CLA supplementation induced an increase in testosterone levels in Leydig cells in vitro after 48 hours but not in vivo before and after a resistance exercise bout.

Is CLA good for your heart?

Cardiovascular Disease

Results from a number of animal studies indicate that CLA has anti-atherosclerotic properties. It has been found that CLA improves blood lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triacylglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels and improving HDL cholesterol levels.

Will CLA keep you awake?

CLA supplements may cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Can CLA raise your blood pressure?

Nevertheless, this meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found that supplemental CLA does not affect human BP regulation. Two human trials reported BP lowering effects of CLA. Herrera discovered that CLA combined with calcium could reduce pregnancy-induced hypertension [11].

Does CLA have caffeine?

Our next generation CLA capsule contains caffeine beadlets, which slowly release caffeine for sustained benefits.

Can I take CLA and L carnitine together?

The weight loss formula is a non-stimulant powder that can be taken throughout the day or paired with a powerful fat burner to enhance its effects and speed up fat burning. The benefits don't end there Cla + Carnitine may also help boost athletic performance.

How much CLA is safe?

Most studies on CLA have used doses of 3.2–6.4 grams per day. One review concluded that a minimum of 3 grams daily is necessary for weight loss ( 40 ). Doses of up to 6 grams per day are considered safe, with no reports of serious adverse side effects in people ( 41 , 42 ).

Does CLA cause inflammation?

CLA supplements may cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Some research has also documented an increase in inflammation with the use of CLA supplements.

Can CLA hurt your liver?

Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don't recommend CLA for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause dangerous effects on the liver. It may lower HDL, or good cholesterol. Some research has also documented an increase in inflammation with the use of CLA supplements.

What is CLA from GNC?

GNC TOTAL LEAN® CLA contains 2000 mg conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) per serving made from safflower oil. CLA is a fatty acid found naturally in milk and meat products. . When taken as directed, CLA supports a healthy body composition by improving lean muscle mass*. It may also support a healthy metabolism.

What is CLA on keto?

Product description. What is KETO CLA? Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in Dairy and Beef. Most CLA dietary supplements are made from safflower oil. Results from well-designed clinical trials suggest that KETO CLA may reduce body mass.*

Clinical Studies

 

 

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