What Is CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)?
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a group of fatty acid chemicals found within linoleic acid. The primary dietary sources of this ingredient are beef and dairy products. Many people use this substance for a range of different potential purposes, including obesity, bodybuilding, weight loss resulting from chronic disease and even reducing the reactions occurring as a result of food allergy. Some also feel it will improve atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries).
How Is CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Used For Weight Loss?
The reason it is sometimes seen in quality diet pill formulations is that it may help to decrease body fat deposits at the same time that it supports healthy immune function.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Research and Studies
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked into the impact of taking CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) on weight loss, appetite and food intake. The research spanned for 13 weeks and the researchers conclusions were that it had a positive impact on the participants’ appetite – that is, their feelings of hunger, fullness and satiety. The research also showed that the impact on the appetite was linked to the size of the dose. While it suggested an improved body weight loss, the length of the study did not permit for monitoring its impact on body weight management.
Research published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders showed that CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) has a number of potential benefits that may be beneficial to dieters and bodybuilders. This randomized clinical trial examined the impact of the ingredient on middle aged men who have obesity and metabolic syndrome. The men used the supplement for a full month and each of the participants were able to reduce their abdominal fat levels without suffering connected cardiovascular risks.
The researchers in that study credited the use of the CLA with the adipose tissue reduction among the participants. Adipose tissue is a fatty layer found mainly around the midsection of the body. It is a form of stored fat that has been associated with an increased risk of certain health risks. That this study indicates that some of the benefits of using this supplement could potentially be helpful in reducing adipose tissue around the abdominal region means that it has the chance to reduce some of the associated health risks of carrying weight around that region.
Though this ingredient typically isn’t enough to produce weight loss on its own, it can be a helpful component to a more complete diet pill formula that is used in conjunction with a healthy calorie controlled diet and regular exercise.
* M M J W Kamphuis; M P G M Lejeune; Saris, W H M; Westerterp-Plantenga, M S. “Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation after weight loss on appetite and food intake in overweight subjects”. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003. Volume 57, Issue 10, page 1268-74.
** Risérus, U., Berglund, L., Vessby, B. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders “Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced abdominal adipose tissue in obese middle-aged men with signs of the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial”. 2001, Volume 25, Issue 8: pages1129-1135.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11477497
