Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a distinctive omega-6 fatty acid, has rapidly become one of the most talked about weight loss products since its introduction to the public in the late 90’s. While small amounts can be obtained from meat and dairy products, supplementation may have a substantial impact on how effectively our body chemically decomposes and deposits fat in our cells. CLA supports weight loss by converting body fat to lean muscle. It is regarded as a natural dietary supplement which reduces body fat in people who are overweight.
Recent research has shown that use of CLA has proven to be highly effective in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. And with most Americans consuming less than one gram from their diet per day, CLA has become a smart choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy body weight. It has been the subject of a variety of research in the past several years, and findings also suggest that some of the other benefits of CLA include increases metabolic rate; decreases abdominal fat; enhances muscle growth; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides; lowers insulin resistance; reduces food-induced allergic reactions; enhances immune system; etc.
CLA is found most commonly in dietary supplements manufactured from vegetable oils such as sunflower oil or safflower oil. The anti-tumor/anti-cancer properties attributed to CLA may be due to an antioxidant effect or to an undefined interaction between CLA and various carcinogens. CLA is also theorized to modulate the production of prostaglandins, which are derived from fatty acid molecules and have been linked to an elevated synthesis of growth hormone. Increased growth hormone levels are viewed as beneficial to both athletes and dieters as a way to promote enhanced muscle growth, strength and fat loss. Some prostaglandins may also increase blood circulation to the muscles and adipose tissue - an effect that has been suggested to improve muscle function and fat mobilization. Perhaps the more tantalizing effects of CLA when it comes to supplements, however, are those reported for the induction of weight loss, body fat loss and increased caloric expenditure.
References:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/cla.htm
http://www.ironmagazine.com/review9.html
http://www.nowfoods.com/?cat_id=3677
