CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
MANUFACTURERS: Twinlab, Doctor’s A-Z, Wellness for Women, Natrol, among others.
WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. CLA is an essential fatty acid (an omega-6) that is found naturally in dairy products, beef, poultry, and corn oil.
SOLD AS: Softgel capsules, usually 600 to 1,000 mg.
BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Scientific research on animals demonstrate that CLA may reduce body fat, but so far handful of human studies happen to be done. Within the animal research, CLA was handed to laboratory animals for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the CLA group had 4.3 percent body fat in comparison with the untreated group, which had 10.1 percent. One more animal study studied the quantity of lean mass and discovered that CLA caused a better development of lean mass in animals that received CLA than in those that did not. In one more study, scientists at the University of Georgia think their outcomes reveal that the loss in fat mass brought on by CLA is the consequence of a decrease in the size of the fat cells as opposed to a alternation in the number of fat cells.
With a couple of human studies accomplished, researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s Food Research Institute gave volunteers CLA for 3 months. The individuals lost 20 percent body fat and improved their lean muscle mass.
WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Some scientists believe CLA connects by itself to the cell membrane, adjusts metabolism, and reduces the fat trapped in the cells. Right up until additional research is done, the actual mechanism of action will remain uncertain.
HOW TO TAKE IT: A number of scientists suggest taking 3 to 5g daily to lose weight. Nevertheless, other people think that right until sufficient scientific studies in humans have been accomplished, the correct amount to take continues to be unknown and so the supplement is best avoided.
SIDE EFFECTS: Because very few research has been done in humans, the side effects are not known. However, one unpublished human study reported a few cases of gastrointestinal disturbances.
PRECAUTIONS: CLA is believed to increase production of prostaglandins, which may increase blood circulation. Therefore, consult your physician before taking CLA if you are also taking anticoagulants.
Weight Loss Products containing CLA
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