Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is a combination of different forms of linoleic acid, and essential fatty acid. CLA supplements are often marketed for promoting weight loss, but they have several other potential uses as well. Before you begin taking CLA to lose weight, consult your doctor to discuss the potential health dangers and correct dosage.
Function
CLA is found in dairy products and beef, as well as eggs, poultry and corn oil, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Your body also makes CLA in your intestines from linoleic acid. CLA supplements appear to reduce body fat mass and body mass index, as well as total cholesterol levels, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. CLA also seems to have antitumor, anticancer and blood sugar-lowering effects. These actions are thought to be due to CLA's substantial antioxidant properties and its status as a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, or PUFA.
Effects
Taking CLA supplements may help you to lose weight by reducing your body fat and improving the ratio of fat to muscle in your body, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. CLA supplementation is also thought to improve body composition and physical strength, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Although CLA may provide some benefits in improving body composition, the supplement typically provides only slight weight-loss results.
Dosage
You might take 3 to 5 grams of CLA per day to promote weight loss, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This dosage range is typically recommended for improving body composition. But in fact, the exact ideal dosage of CLA is unknown, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Ask your physician about the dosage that's right for you before you begin taking CLA supplements.
Other Uses
Aside from promoting weight loss and enhancing body composition, CLA supplementation may have some benefits in preventing breast, colon and lung cancers, says the University of Michigan Health System. CLA could help in both preventing and treating cancer, as well as in lowering high cholesterol levels, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. You might take CLA supplements to help treat diabetes, metabolic syndrome or allergic rhinitis as well, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No conclusive scientific research supports the use of CLA supplements for any medical purpose, however.
Warning
Because CLA is made from essential fatty acids, it's generally considered safe. However, CLA supplements could potentially increase your risks for cardiovascular disease and interfere with your insulin sensitivity, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. CLA supplementation is also unsafe for lactating women, because the substance can alter the composition of breast milk. In some cases, CLA may increase your potassium levels and decrease your bilirubin, creatine and platelet levels, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you have diabetes, you should take CLA supplements only under the close supervision of a doctor.
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