CLA Weight Loss

CLA is a fatty acid with weight loss benefits.

However, CLA also enhances immunity, supports a healthy inflammation response and is a potent provider of antioxidant protection. "CLA may be a valuable weight loss supplement to any diet regime." Jan Wadstein, M.D., Ph.D, associate professor of medicine at Lund University in Sweden.

What is CLA?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a free fatty acid derived from safflower oil related to the omega-6 fatty acids - one of the two types of essential fatty acids.

CLA weight loss study

CLA supported weight loss: In a random-double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 20 healthy people of normal body weight, and body mass index less than 25.0 kg/m2, who did standardized physical exercise in a gym for 90 min three times weekly. Participants took either placebo (hydrogel) or CLA 0.6 mg, three times daily, as two capsules during meals, for 12 weeks. Researchers found significant results in the CLA group during the study, but not in the placebo group. (Source: Thom E, Wadstein J, Gudmundsen O. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans. J Int Med Res 2001 Sep-Oct;29(5):392-6.)

In another study, fifty-three healthy men and women, aged 23-63, were randomly assigned to supplementation with CLA (4.2 g/d) or the same amount of olive oil during 12 wk in a double-blind fashion. The findings showed positive results (-3.8%, P< 0.001) in the CLA-treated group, with a significant difference from the control group (P = 0.050). (Source: Smedman A, Vessby B. Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in humans - metabolic effects. Lipids 2001 Aug;36(8):773-81.)

Potent antioxidant protection

CLA is a powerful antioxidant agent. In the body it is taken up by phospholipids, a class of fats that serve as the principal structural components of cell membranes. CLA enhances the cell membrane’s defense mechanism against attack by free radicals.

A study on antioxidant activity was observed with only 0.25% CLA in the diet. Comparative studies have shown that CLA is approximately two times more powerful an antioxidant than beta-carotene and yet another study concluded that CLA “may produce substances which protect cells from the detrimental effect of peroxides” (J Am Coll Nutr 2000 Apr;19(2 Suppl): 111S-118S.) Peroxides are one type of ‘free radical’ that may harm cells, and cell function.

Help stimulate immune activity

CLA supports the production of key immune system cells and the inflamation response system. CLA supports the PPAR-gamma agonist, a class of internal cell receptors. CLA’s support of important immune compounds such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, make it a valuable nutrient for maintaining the body’s inflammation response.

CLA