CLA

We all have Omega-6 Fatty Acids like CLA in our bodies already. In fact, many people get a lot of them from the foods they eat like cheese and beef. Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Omega 6 Fatty Acids have been in the news a lot lately because they have been used to help lower cholesterol levels. However, it appears that Omega 3’s are far more effective then Omega 6’s, but some Omega 6’s, like CLA, can still play a vital role.

CLA has actually been studied as a way to augment health in a variety of arenas, not just in weight loss. Some studies suggest that it has a potentiality for being an antioxidant, while other animal-based studies suggest that it has some anti-tumor properties that may help it stem the growth of mammary, skin and colon tumors. However, in recent years it has gained a reputation for being able to boost weight loss, augment thermogenesis and enhance muscle gains.

There have actually been quite a few studies conducted on CLA’s affect on fat cells, weight loss and muscle mass. Most of these studies have used animal subjects, but in recent years a few human-based trials have been conducted as well. The animal-based studies showed that CLA created weight loss in rats, but the human studies were not conclusive, as some showed weight loss while others did not. This disparity may be due to differences in human and animal endocrine and metabolic systems. That said, human studies continue in order to determine exactly where CLA’s abilities may lie.

We would be remiss if we did not note that CLA was often used in large qualities in the human-based studies, so we believe it is unlikely that consumers will be able to gain the same kinds of results through supplements, as supplements rarely contain such high dosages. Also, these studies showed that using large amounts of CLA may increase certain health risks. For instance, CLA appeared to have a potentiality for increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, which is troubling, and indicates that additional studies need to be conducted to ascertain the true level of this element’s effectiveness and safety.

• May have some antioxidant properties

• Studies on CLA have been inconclusive
• These products have garnered a lot of negative consumer commentary, which can be read on this popular CLA blog. If you are interested in more information, you can read another CLA review by Sensational.com.
• CLA may be linked to some side effects

CLA has been around for quite some time, and it has gained a reputation for increasing weight loss and muscle mass with developers and some consumers, but according to our research, the jury is out where its abilities are concerned. This is also the case when it comes to safety, because it is being studied to see if it can increase user’s risk of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. In the mean time, there are actually some really effective, well researched and safe extracts available, including Hoodia, which has been proven to be able to cut hunger, and Yerba Mate, which has been used to dramatically increase metabolic function. Therefore, we suggest taking a supplement that contains those ingredients now and waiting for more studies to be done before trying out a CLA-based supplement.