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What is CLA and where does it come from?

CLA is short for Conjugated Linoleic Acid(s), which is, in essence, an omega-6 fatty acid, but a healthy one.

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is produced by a bio-hydrogenation process in the rumen, and thus is present in dairy products and ruminant meat (9cis, 11 trans).

28 different forms of CLA exist ^[1].

The difference between these structures is that their double bonds are organized in different ways. It’s vital to keep in mind that something as small as this can make a massive difference to our cells.

Traditional Use

CLA supplements are most commonly sold because of their reputation for aiding weight loss ^[2].

CLA is also sometimes used as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding.

Story of Discovery

In 1987, researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison first discovered CLA.

Dr. Pariza first noted an extract in beef, back in 1978, that appeared to be an anticarcinogenic, but it wasn’t until 1987 that he identified this extract to be CLA.

Since the discovery, a surge of scientific studies and research have been conducted on how CLA affects body mass and other potential benefits it may have on human health.

In the past, people received healthy doses of CLA through their diet, by consuming beef and dietary fats.

The majority of cattle no longer graze in pastures on natural grass and other foods. Instead, they are fed meat products and processed grains.

This has resulted in a decrease in cattle's internal production of CLA, meaning less conjugated linoleic acid is consumed from eating meat and dairy products.

Furthermore, most people that worry about cholesterol and fat intake adjust their diets to eat less red meat and dairy products, which in turn reduces the amount of CLA in their diet.

Fortunately, scientists have developed a process to convert the linoleic acid of pure safflower oil into conjugated linoleic acid.

Fortunately, scientists have developed a process to convert the linoleic acid of pure safflower oil into conjugated linoleic acid.

How does it work?

CLA works in the following ways:

People mainly use CLA to:

Aid Weight Loss

A study done on overweight Chinese subjects found that CLA supplementation (twice daily dissolved in milk) helped with weight loss over a 12-week period ^[5].

The supplementation was found to reduce body weight, reduce BMI, reduce total fat mass, and reduce fat percentage.

The treatment also reduced waist to hip ratio and reduced subcutaneous fat mass.

Studies have shown that CLAs decrease lipid storage by increasing the rate of fat breakdown in fat tissue ^[6].

The fatty acids also increase fatty acid oxidation and reduce glucose uptake in cultured fat cells.

Improve Heart Health & Cholesterol

In a study of 80 obese and hypertensive people, CLA combined with ramipril reduced blood pressure more than ramipril alone ^[7].

Another study found that high intakes of both cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA raised the level of HDL cholesterol in healthy women.

HDL cholesterol promotes low cholesterol levels and healthy heart function ^[8].

High levels of glucose result in major heart damage and heart problems. A study in rat cells found that cells pre-treated with CLA and then exposed to high glucose levels had reduced heart damage and a decreased risk of heart problems, than cells not pre-treated in the same conditions ^[9].

Why Try Feel Younger® CLA 1000mg from Safflower oil?

Any cautions?

Possible side effects of taking CLA can be excessive flatulence, bloating, nausea and diarrhoea.

CLA can increase insulin resistance.

ALWAYS consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

Scientific References: