Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in certain foods. Polyunsaturated fats are consumed by some people to reduce blood cholesterol levels. CLA purportedly helps with weight maintenance, although there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the fatty acid makes you lose weight. CLA is available in the form of over-the-counter supplements for weight loss hopefuls. Use caution when using any type of weight loss supplement, and check with your physician prior to use.
Sources
Animal products, such as red meat and dairy foods, are natural sources of CLA. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that regular consumption of foods with CLA might reduce your chances of developing cancer and cholesterol problems. The polyunsaturated fat was first discovered in 1978 by Dr. Michael Pariza, as reported by Diet Spotlight. Since then, some weight loss pill manufacturers have used CLA as a key ingredient in their products.
Function
CLA acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals that can harm healthy cell production. Over time, free radicals can lead to chronic disease. The role of CLA in weight loss is not certain. According to the Mayo Clinic, CLA supplements may play a role in weight loss by reducing overall body fat and increasing muscle mass. Increased muscles might also help aid weight maintenance by increasing your metabolism.
Effectiveness
Ongoing studies on the effects of CLA on weight loss are mixed. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, one 2000 study of CLA in obese patients found that the supplement helped reduce overall body fat, but didn't affect blood cholesterol. A subsequent study in 2002 revealed that study participants experienced no changes in weight, as well as decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. The Mayo Clinic deems CLA as a "possibly effective" weight loss pill, since the effectiveness of the product is still not guaranteed to reduce body fat.
Considerations
CLA may aid weight loss, but traditional methods of shedding pounds are more reliable than this supplement. The Mayo Clinic points out that over-the-counter weight loss pills are generally effective only for a short period of time. Once you stop using them, you will likely gain back any weight lost. A healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a low-fat diet is more likely to help you achieve your weight loss goals in the long term. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, CLA poses the risk of side effects such as extreme fatigue and gastrointestinal problems. As of 2011, CLA supplements aren't endorsed by the FDA.
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