CLA Conjugated linoleic acid/[email protected]

Conjugated Linoleic Acid(CLA) is a slightly altered form of linoleic acid , an omega-6 fatty acid important to human health. Omega-6 fatty acids are derived from the foods we eat primarily from meat and dairy products. Therefore, CLA is primarily found in meat and diary products.

CLA is a potent anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogen, and anti-catabolite, as well as a powerful immune system enhancer. Some of the common accolades of CLA are assistance in fat burning, building and retention of lean muscle, and is a cancer fighter. CLA has a number of benefits for bodybuilders as well as any type of athlete.

Benefits of CLA

1. Increased metabolic rate: This would obviously be a positive benefit for any type of athlete that is trying to lose weight and improve body composition.
2. Enhanced muscle growth: Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
3. Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides: Since many people these days have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on any person who has high cholesterol.
4. Lowers insulin resistance: Lowering insulin resistance has been shown to help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
5. Reduces food-induced allergic reactions: Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help.
6. Enhances immune system: With the variety of bacteria and poor immune systems in contemporary society, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit to all.

Dosage

Supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) tends to be in the range of 3,200-6,400mg daily, taken with meals. This dosage assumes that approximately 70% of the product by weight is comprised of one of the two main active isomers, cis-9 trans-11 (c9t11) and trans-10 cis-12 (t10c12).

Limited studies using higher doses than the aforementioned have failed to find additional benefit, and while this could simply be due to the unreliability of CLA supplements it also means that there is no evidence that doses higher than the above are more effective.