Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring, free fatty acid that is found in dairy and meat, albeit in small amounts. CLA is essentially an altered form of linoleic-acid, which is a vital Omega-6 fatty acid necessary to human health. Fundamentally, CLA enhances basal metabolic activity. Its popularity has risen dramatically as it's now being touted as a thermogenic (fat burning) aid for weight loss.

Bodybuilders, athletes, as well as the weekend warrior, not to mention those who would simply like to lose a few inches around their midriff have an interest in this nutrient. However, how safe is it? That's an inevitable question, which we'll discuss in this page later.

Exaggerated claims abound for many supplements and CLA is no exception. This web page article will hopefully educate you as to what it is and how it can or cannot help your quest for better health.

Research Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Purported Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Let's first discuss the research conjugated linoleic acid has undergone. While it's true that here is promising research done on CLA as regarding its alleged weight loss capabilities, to date, most of the research has been done on rats and mice although there is some done on humans -- chiefly studies done by Michael Pariza and EAS.

In various studies, the rodents' diets was supplemented with and in these tests, CLA was found to reduce appetite but to also spur weight loss. In some of these tests, the rodents also had less tumors. Most doctors proclaim that it's unclear whether or not these findings are truly evidentiary as the findings have been mixed at best. Some research says CLA is proven to not only reduce fat, but to build muscle as well as promoting the optimum internal environment for maximum health.

 One particular study was done by Swedish researchers where the fat loss and muscle mass increased happened simultaneously. This is suspicious in itself as it's extremely difficult to do so unless one has an optimal weight training diet with adequate supplementation. Other research conjugated linoleic acid facts shows that in another Swedish study, obese patients in the study did experience reduction in bodyfat.

However, interestingly enough, they didn't lose weight. The study also says that many had nausea with only 47 of the 60 completing the study. However, there is another study that shows not only has CLA been able to synthesize lean muscle tissue while spurning body fat loss, but it's shown remarkable anti-catabolic, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer capabilities.

Other studies also show it can contribute to lower cholesterol. In addition, researcher Michael Pariza, the actual discoverer of CLA, proclaims, "A growing body of data indicates that CLA is a newly recognized nutrient that functions to regulate energy retention andmetabolism." Pariza also says,

"CLA appears to be very helpful in helping people control weight. It's not going to cause you to lose fat, but once you have achieved the weight loss that you want from a traditional diet, then at that point you could use CLA to control your weight, so you don't gain it all back."

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Research: Precautions

At this juncture, there is still minimal research done on CLA to effectively determine any drug or nutrient conflicts in the system.

It is also not known what significant doses of CLA can cause in terms of side effects as well as long-term health problems. However, some reported side effects is a racing heartbeat and mild arrhythmia. What does some of the other research conjugated linoleic acid show? We've mentioned two of them, 1) possible anti-cancer properties or capability, but 2) also it is believed to not just inhibit tumor growth but to reduce their size. Other purported benefits of conjugated linoleic acid include helping the cardiovascular system, protecting against atheriosclerosis by lowering cholesterol, helping with asthma, and helping to control blood sugar (glucose), etc.

CLA is typically found in capsules or softgels with dosages of between 600mg and 1000mg. Thus far, preliminary research evidence shows that CLA is nontoxic and safe at those dosages. We have taken CLA as part of a supplement and personally have never experienced any negative side effects.

We also gained muscle weight and lost adipose tissue, however, we cannot definitely say if it was CLA only as we were taking other bodybuilding supplements at the time as well.

It has also been purported in studies that CLA is an antioxidant, capable of destroying and limiting free radical damage. (Free radicals contribute to aging and degenerative diseases many researchers believe.) Your course of action is one of two choices: Wait until more research validates its efficacy, thus converting its detractors. Or, experiment using recommended dosages for yourself. Stick, though, to the recommended dosages. Err on the side of caution.

CLA Supplement Recommendation

I have used EAS CLA for literally over six years with no side effects of any kind (We've also followed our own advice by sticking to recommended dosages.) This recommended product is produced by EAS who first funded human clinical studies on CLA as far back as 1996.

Having used it myself, along with my chief vitamin supplement >, I feel I can recommend it with some integrity as I believe from personal experience that it's safe. I hope this Conjugated Linoleic Acid information has been helpful to you.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com