What Is A CLA Supplement?
Conjugated linoleic acid, commonly known as CLA, is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. Weight loss supplements generally face significant debate within the health and wellness community. Like many weight loss supplements, CLA is backed by inconclusive research. While many believe this fatty acid works by suppressing appetite, studies indicate that this supplement doesn’t cause sufficient weight loss to be considered effective.
Nevertheless, CLA may offer other health benefits, including enhanced athletic performance, boosted immune function, and support for type 2 diabetes management. However, these benefits lack sufficient research backing. CLA occurs naturally in meat and dairy products, but supplement forms are taken independently or combined with caffeine or other weight loss ingredients.
With numerous weight loss products available, such as Ketoxol, does finding a product containing CLA matter? Can CLA supplements replace comprehensive weight loss products? We’ll examine CLA more closely, exploring different types, benefits, and more in this review.
Different Types Of CLA Supplements
CLA is sold either as a standalone supplement or combined with caffeine or other weight loss ingredients. As a standalone product, CLA comes in pill, powder, or syrup forms. These supplemental forms are created by chemically modifying plant-based linoleic acid (typically from safflower seed oil), producing this healthier form of trans fat.
Many users prefer CLA in syrup and powder forms due to better taste and easier integration into foods and beverages like yogurt, milk, and coffee (as popularized by weight loss products like Bulletproof Coffee).
CLA Supplement Benefits
While research on CLA remains inconclusive and its effectiveness as a weight-loss supplement is highly debated, the following are some researched benefits of CLA supplementation:
- Overall weight loss
- Reduction of body fat
- Helps retain lean muscle
- Helps control type 2 diabetes
- Supports immune function
- May prevent heart disease
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- May enhance athletic performance
- May support bodybuilding
Despite various claimed benefits, most research focuses on determining CLA’s weight loss efficacy. This remains highly controversial, as much of the research suggests it doesn’t significantly impact weight.
Should I Take CLA Supplements?
Despite claims that CLA supplements promote weight loss, much of the research remains inconclusive. This means you shouldn’t rush to purchase CLA-containing products. If you’re seeking weight loss, particularly with health conditions like obesity, consult your doctor before taking any weight loss supplements, including CLA.
Dietary and lifestyle modifications may prove more beneficial for both weight loss and maintenance. No miracle product exists for weight loss, especially for sustaining that loss. Even if CLA supplements prove effective in your specific journey, the results likely aren’t sustainable long-term, and continued CLA use may become harmful over time.
Do CLA Supplements Work?
Some studies demonstrate that CLA reduced body fat by 9%, while other studies show no weight loss difference between individuals receiving CLA versus placebo. Consequently, achieving weight loss through lifestyle and dietary changes would likely prove more beneficial.
It’s crucial to note that CLA supplements have been linked to various adverse side effects when taken in large doses. These side effects may include:
- Accumulation of fat in the liver (may cause metabolic issues or diabetes)
- Insulin resistance
- Diarrhea
- Oxidative stress
Best CLA Supplements
Bulk Supplements CLA Powder
This product contains 2000 mg of CLA in powder form. It’s highly rated and convenient to use—simply add it to your preferred beverage. Made from starch and CLA oil derived from safflower, it contains no added sugar or other additives. This company also offers CLA in capsule form.
NatureWise CLA 1250
This product receives excellent ratings among CLA products and ranks as a #1 Amazon bestseller. It contains 1250 mg of safflower seed oil with 80% CLA concentration. This product claims to be non-jittery, non-addictive, and sustainable for long-term use.
Sports Research CLA 1250
This product provides a vegan CLA source in capsule form. It contains 1250 mg of safflower seed oil, with 80% CLA concentration. Free from soy, gluten, and additives, it also claims no jittery side effects and receives high ratings.
CLA Supplement Alternatives
CLA occurs naturally in certain foods, and obtaining CLA through these sources may be more beneficial and less risky compared to supplemental CLA, which typically comes in higher doses. CLA appears in dairy and meat products, while supplemental CLA comes from chemically modified linoleic acid in vegetable oils. Notably, many dietary CLA sources come from grass-fed beef and animal products, meaning these animals consume linoleic acid sources like sunflower, safflower, or soybean oils.
CLA: Is It Worth It?
CLA remains a controversial supplement since its efficacy, particularly for weight loss, is largely unproven. However, long-term use in high doses may cause health complications, making CLA from food sources like grass-fed meat and dairy products a superior option. While CLA may provide other health benefits related to muscle mass and immune function, these benefits lack sufficient research support.
For weight loss, finding more sustainable options through dietary and lifestyle changes may prove more effective. Always consult a physician before using weight loss supplements, as many prove ineffective and may cause health complications with continued use, as demonstrated with CLA.
