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There has been a lot of research on the product called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is believed to improve immune system function and fight body fat. When given to animals in a study, it was shown to fight three stages of cancer. There have been improvements in the area of breast cancer with women taking CLA in high doses. For the most part, there are very few human studies involving conjugated linoleic acid. Conjugated linoleic acid is best when it comes to grass-fed meat and dairy products. It can also come in supplement form as an active ingredient in various fat burners or in supplement form. Today there are changes in cattle feeding and a reduction in grass feeding procedures, which means that red meat and dairy products have less amounts of CLA. Animals that eat natural grass in large amounts typically have 3 to 5 times more conjugated linoleic acid than those on other diets.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid is believed to have the following health benefits:
• Increases energy
• Enhance fat loss efforts, especially in the abdominal area
• Increases lean muscle mass
• Reduce the cholesterol
• Improves the functioning of the immune system
• Increase metabolism
The Vitamin Shoppe has Tonalin CLA which comes from safflower oil which has potential side effects of upset stomach or diarrhea, but I have not experienced this myself. I did notice that I was feeling a little hyper only a few days after starting, but my system soon adjusted. Since I have been taking CLA I have noticed more definition in my arms and abs.
I went online for feedback on those taking conjugated linoleic acid supplements and found all the positive feedback. A recent study that was published in the Journal of Lipid Research on the effects of CLA in rats and mice ended with less than favorable results. According to the study, mice fed conjugated linoleic acid supplements lost weight, but fat storage in the liver was also noted. This extra liver fat is a sign of insulin resistance and classifies the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, the rats showed no signs of weight loss, but they also had no fat storage in the liver. An associate professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University, Mary Belury, said that research done in rats and mice might not have the same effects in humans. The reason is, according to Belury, that up to 75% of people with diabetes and obesity develop a disease in which fat accumulates in the liver and makes them resistant to insulin, and this disease is known as fatty liver disease. non-alcoholic. There are currently trials being done on the use of CLA in women who have diabetes. More research on this product needs to be done to fully understand its health benefits, but those who prefer not to take it as a supplement can consume it via dairy, red meat, or lamb.