Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is a powerful antioxidant found in a wide range of foods. CLA extracts are used to treat a variety of diseases, such as cancer, obesity and high cholesterol. The side effects of CLA can include symptoms that lead to severe chest pain and digestive disorders that can cause insomnia. Before taking any dietary supplements, you should talk to your doctor about potential side effects that could lead to complications.
Uses
CLA may serve as a way to mitigate the damage caused by cancer cells, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It may reduce the symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as aid in lowering high cholesterol and controlling obesity. CLA increases your potassium levels, which could cause severe complications such as chest pain that keep you up at night. CLA supplements help to reduce the body mass index in obese men, but they do not seem to change the fat composition of healthy adults. At the same time, CLA may help boost energy levels and affect body composition of athletes taking part in a regular exercise regimen.
Side Effects
Taking CLA does not seem to play a role in insomnia, although other side effects may disrupt sleep patterns. The nutrient can leave you with gastrointestinal discomfort that could lead to heartburn when you lie down or an upset stomach that keeps you awake, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. More likely, CLA can lead to extreme sates of fatigue that cause you to feel worn out and tired even after a solid night's sleep. CLA may increase your resistance to insulin, which can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels.
Weight Loss
Conjugated linoleic acid is an ingredient in a number of weight-loss supplements, according to Colorado State University Extension. CLA may play a role in reducing fat and improving your chances of losing weight. On the other hand, it may also increase your risk of developing heart disease, so you should be monitored by a medical professional when using CLA for weight loss. CLA can interact with other drugs and keep you up at night with serious complications, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. When used as a weight-loss supplement in conjunction with certain medications, CLA can cause rapid heartbeat, insomnia and nausea.
Sources
CLA is found naturally in nearly all dairy products and most meat. Processed food also contains significant levels of the fatty acid. While CLA has the potential to boost your immune system and provide increased energy levels, you should limit intake of the nutrient if you have diabetes because of the increase in blood sugar you'll experience. According to ExRx.net, a safe dosage of CLA for healthy individuals should remain between 1,500 and 3,000 mg per day to avoid side effects. You should take the supplement with meals and spread out your intake over three meals a day. When side effects prevent you from sleeping, you should consult your doctor to make sure no lasting effects occur.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Colorado State University Extension; Weight Loss Products and Programs; J. Anderson, et al.; December 2008
- ExRx.net: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: Health Effects of CLA
