Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a derived from Linoleic Acid, and it is also known as an Omega-6 Fatty Acid. While Conjugated Linoleic Acid is found in many supplements, it is already in many of the foods we eat like dairy products and beef. That said, the Conjugated Linoleic Acid that is used in the holistic products many consumers buy is made out of Safflower Oil.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid as a health enhancer didn’t get much attention until the 90’s, when in some routine studies it helped increase weight loss in animals, like chickens, livestock and rabbits. While these kinds of result are great to see, they do not always mean that the same results can be achieved in humans due to differences in endocrine and metabolic responses. However, they do suggest that it may be a possibility, and in fact, some studies suggest that its greatest potential may be in preserving lean muscle mass, which may be what has made it popular with weight lifters and athletes.

Human trials have been conducted on Conjugated Linoleic Acid to determine its weight loss abilities, but the results have been contradictory. Some studies suggest that Conjugated Linoleic Acid can help prevent fat cells from getting bigger, while others have showed limited results. What’s clear about Conjugated Linoleic Acid is that more studies need to be conducted, and in fact, they are ongoing. These studies are not just in the weight loss arena, Conjugated Linoleic Acid is also being studied as having a potentiality for being a way to ease cholesterol levels and enhance immune function. While this is great, it may be years before we truly know what this element is capable of doing.

• CLA has some potential in enhancing muscle mass

• Studies on weight loss abilities have been contradictory
• CLA may not be as effective as other weight loss agents like Advantra Z and Yerba Mate
• 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.

The idea of using a single element like Conjugated Linoleic Acid to meet muscle building and weight loss needs can be really compelling, and many consumers have given it a try. However, they often report that they did not notice huge weight loss gains, but many claim that it did seem to augment muscle mass. This may be due to the fact that in research studies with positive results users had to take huge qualities of Conjugated Linoleic Acid to get any kind of results. For the average consumer this is not always doable or advisable, because too much Conjugated Linoleic Acid has been linked to causing some health issues like cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Therefore consumers may be better off trying a supplement containing proven elements like Hoodia for appetite suppression and Advantra Z for fat burning—at least for the time being.