CLA is an abbreviation for Conjugated Linoleic Acid. It is found naturally in small amounts in butterfat and in meat; especially in lamb, beef, and veal. CLA belongs to the group of Omega 6 fatty acids.
The content of CLA in butterfat varies according to the type of feed that the animals have been eating. The CLA content in foods is measured in how large a part of the total amount of fat CLA amounts to: E.g. mg per grams of fat.
Our bodies do not produce CLA on their own, and the content in foods is too low for us to get a considerable amount from that source. If one is going to take CLA in doses that are to have any therapeutic effect, it must be taken as a dietary supplement.
It is said that CLA has antioxidant traits as it does not at all oxidize easily, which is unusual for a fatty acid. CLA has also been proved to have a beneficial effect on the immune systen, even though this is not the main reason why people take it.
When you lose some of your total mass of muscles, your energy conversion is also decreased. CLA has a light muscle-building effect.
In Europe, CLA is used especially in fitness -, exercising -, and body-building circles with the purpose of burning body fat, building up the the total mass of muscles and also reaching training results faster and obtaining greater staying power.
CLA is used as a part of slimming diets to increase the discharge of fat from the fat deposits in the body. Some surveys have shown that CLA can reduce the total amount of fat with up to 43-88%.
CLA works by increasing the body's ability to oxidate while the fat deposits release their fat. One of the ways in which CLA works is to block the particular enzyme in the body that makes the fat cells absorb fat from the blood. This way, the fat can be used as energy for the muscles instead., and one of the advantages of using CLA in diets is, indeed, that the total mass of muscles is not decreased.
Often, the greatest challenge in a diet is maintaining one's weight loss. In this case, the key is to work in new eating -, and exercising habits. CLA can therefore be used after diets to maintain the weight loss.
Dosage
CLA supplements are to be taken in doses from 2 - 4 grams a day (4 - 8 capsules of 500 mg. a day).
When taking CLA in capsules, the capsules are not to be chewed but swallowed whole in connection with meals. Large amounts of Omega 6 fatty acids should be accompanied by a multivitamin-mineral preparation and a supplement of fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) in order not to disturb the bodily fatty acid balance.
Side effects
CLA is not toxic, even in large doses, and it has no side effects. Some people may experience mild symptoms from the alimentary canal. Large singular doses may cause loose stools.
Please note
There are more than 28 different types of CLA. In meat and dairy products, the variant T11, C9 is the most common. In Europe, there are different CLA products on the market. It is not unimportant what kind of CLA product you use. Only the CLA type with the designation of T10, C12 can lower the body's fat depotsits. Only with daily exercise can you obtain the optimal effect. Furthermore, it is recommended to take a daily supplement of anti-oxidants together with CLA.
Warning
CLA should not be used during pregnancy or in children below the age of 1.
