Does The Supplement Tonalin Work?

Tonalin CLA is a brand name for the ingredient conjugated linoleic acid, which is included in some dietary supplement blends and also available as a single-ingredient supplement. Conjugated linoleic acid is promoted as beneficial for weight loss and improvements in body composition. Early research shows it has anti-cancer effects and may be of benefit for preventing other diseases, but studies with humans are lacking, according to an article published in a 2000 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition". Although most conjugated linoleic acid is obtained from meat and animal products, Tonalin CLA is made from vegetable oil.

Identification

Conjugated linoleic acid is a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that provides a form of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. You obtain linoleic acid by eating plant foods, but conjugated linoleic acid is mainly found in animal products. It develops during the metabolism of plant-based linoleic acid consumed by these animals, explains the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" article.

Vegetable-Derived CLA

Vegetable oils and margarine contain a small amount of conjugated linoleic acid. Tonalin CLA manufacturer Cognis Group explains that the company's proprietary method converts linoleic acid from safflowers into conjugated linoleic acid. Although safflower oil has small amounts compared to some meat and dairy products, supplements can provide a concentrated strength of vegetable-derived CLA.

Function

Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase that breaks down dietary fat, according to the Tonalin CLA official website. The official website says this activity changes body composition by decreasing body fat and increasing or maintaining lean muscle mass.

Body Composition Effects

Most claims for benefits associated with conjugated linoleic acid are based on animal research in which supplementation led to fat loss and muscle gain, according to Health Services at Columbia at its Go Ask Alice website. The website cautions that studies with humans have not shown consistent results. A study appearing in the June 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes previous research suggesting that short-term supplementation can reduce body fat mass and body mass index in obese men. During the study published in 2004, healthy overweight adults taking conjugated linoleic acid for one year experienced significantly decreased body fat mass and improved lean body mass than those taking a placebo. During another study, this one appearing in the "Journal of Nutrition" in December 2000, conjugated linoleic acid supplementation significantly decreased body fat compared with a placebo in obese and overweight individuals, although significant changes did not occur in lean body mass.

Potential

Conjugated linoleic acid may inhibit tumor development and proliferation, help prevent plaque accumulation in arteries and modulate some elements of the immune system, according to the "Journal of American Clinical Nutrition" article. In addition, animal research links conjugated linoleic acid intake with significantly decreased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, so-called bad cholesterol. The authors note that further research is necessary to confirm whether the supplement works for humans for these purposes.