Who Needs A Cla Supplement?

Conjugated linoleic acid, known as CLA, is a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that provides a form of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. While you obtain linoleic acid by eating plants, CLA is mainly found in animal products such as meat and dairy items. CLA develops as animals metabolize the linoleic acid they consume. It is unclear if anyone actually needs a CLA supplement, but these supplements may have benefits for overweight people.

Considerations

Research on the effects of CLA supplements in humans is scant, according to Health Services at Columbia. Most claims for weight loss benefits are based on animal studies, in which CLA supplementation resulted in fat loss and muscle gain. Results in studies with humans have not been as positive or as consistent, cautions Health Services at Columbia.

Body Fat Effects

A study published in the June 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes previous research indicating that short-term CLA use can reduce body fat mass and body mass index in obese men. The current study examined effects of CLA supplementation over one year in healthy overweight adults. Groups taking CLA achieved significantly lower body fat mass and greater lean body mass than the placebo group. Another study published in the December 2000 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" determined that CLA supplementation significantly reduced body fat compared with a placebo in obese and overweight individuals, although significant differences were not found in lean body mass, body mass index or blood lipid levels.

Lack of Effectiveness

Research appearing in the August 2003 issue of "Lipids" found that CLA had little effect on body composition in non-obese healthy sedentary women. Women in the study took CLA or a placebo daily for 45 days. No significant differences occurred in body fat, or in total cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Effects

CLA has strong antioxidant properties and shows anticancer effects in the laboratory and in animal studies, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, which are waste products of oxidation reactions in the body, such as metabolism of food into energy and responses to toxins in the environment. Replacing other polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet with CLA may reduce oxidative stress, notes the center.

Safety

Some people may experience minor gastrointestinal symptoms when taking CLA supplements, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. One case of severe fatigue has been linked to this substance. CLA may increase insulin resistance, which could raise blood sugar levels. Because beneficial effects of CLA supplements are not confirmed and because research is lacking on its safety, Health Services at Columbia recommends focusing on diet and exercise for weight loss.