CLA: Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- What it is
Conjugated linoleic acid is a collective term used to describe one or more positional and geometric forms of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. Linoleic acid may help your body increase muscle and decrease fat deposits.
- Natural Sources
CLA is naturally present in cow’s milk and beef and other ruminant meats. Milkfat, in particular, is the richest natural dietary source of CLA in the cis-9, trans-11 (c9, t11) configuration. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is found in cold-pressed oils such as flaxseed, hempseed, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, and olive oil. Other foods contain this omega-6 acid as well, such as dairy, beef, and chicken.
- How it works
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an enzyme that breaks down fat you eat and stores it in your body. CLA hinders LPL, so your body stores less fat. CLA also helps destroy fat cells before your body stores them, and it helps turn fat into energy.
- How to consume
Many people take up to six capsules a day to get the recommended 1000 mg.
- Different kinds
N/A
- Which ingredients should one combine with for better results
Due to it’s fat burning properties, CLA may stack well with other fat-burning supplements such as L-Carnitine, and EFA’s.
- Positive Effects
CLA has been studied for various effects on health including: effects on the immune
system, cancer prevention, blood lipid and glucose levels, and body composition
weight loss.
- Negative or side-effects
It is natural, and the only side effect is an upset stomach for some people. Taking your CLA with food helps this.