Background Conjugated linoleic acid is a group of isomers of linoleic acid with two conjugated double bonds. CLA is produced from normal linoleic acid (which is found abundantly in plant tissues) by the bacteria present in the rumen of herbivores. It is for this reason that CLA is found almost exclusively in animal tissues and products, and thus the richest dietary sources are red meat and dairy products. Typical concentrations of CLA found in common foods are shown below.
Typical Concentrations of CLA in Foodstuffs.
Food
CLA concentration (mg/g)
Butter
9.4-11.9
Yogurt
5.1-9.0
Processed Cheese
3.2-8.9
Natural Cheese
0.6-7.1
T-bone Steak (cooked)
4.7-9.9
Vegetable Oils
0.2
CLA was unrecognized as a nutrient until 1987 when Pariza characterized CLA as the component in meat and dairy products which appeared to show anti-carcinogenic activity in animal tumours.
The functions of CLA:
Although not an essential fatty acid, sufficient evidence has now accumulated to indicate it has significant levels of physiological activity. These activities can be summarized as follows:
Anti-tumorogenic activity
Immune stimulation
Anti-inflammatory activity
Natural anabolic stimulation
CLA has been demonstrated to show considerable anti-tumorogenic activity in animals. Thus, it now appears that higher levels of CLA in tissues directly correlate with lower incidence of breast cancer (Ip et al., 1999). Similar results have been demonstrated in earlier publications and it also appears that CLA may have positive effects on colon, prostate and skin cancers, as well as breast cancer.
Immune stimulation: CLA has been shown in a number of studies to stimulate the cell-mediated immune system by enhancing activity of phagocytes and cytotoxic T-cells (Wong et al., 1997).
Anti-inflammatory activity: CLA has been shown to substitute in cell membranes for arachidonic acid, which is the precursor to the pro-inflammatory family of eicosanoids. Although more research is required, it does appear that CLA may operate in a similar way to omega-3 fatty acids in reducing symptomology in many chronic inflammatory conditions.
The mechanism of action of CLA:
The mechanism of action for the above three physiological effects is still being elucidated finally, but the following are all contributing elements:
CLA is a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and not being involved in chain reaction peroxidation of fatty acids.
CLA substitutes into cell membranes as replacement of arachidonic acid, which releases pro-inflammatory and ultimately pro-carcinogenic eicosanoids.
CLA has been demonstrated to be directly cytotoxic to cancerous cells.
Anabolic stimulation:
Recent research has found that CLA appears to directly effect the energy metabolism of fat. It has been shown to increase oxidation or ‘burning’ of dietary fats for energy by inhibiting the deposition of fat into adipose tissue by inhibiting the enzyme lipoprotein lipase.
Similarly, it appears to enhance the release of stored fat into this energy cycle by increasing the concentration of the enzyme hormone-sensitive lipase. The cumulative effect of this is that an increase in dietary CLA appears to directly increase the metabolism of fat in the body. CLA has become deficient in the diet as our eating habits have changed. There is now very good and accumulating evidence that the supplementation of CLA back into the diet will have significant beneficial effects on health and disease prevention.
Serving Size: 1 capsule Servings Per Container: 60
Other Ingredients:
Cellulose, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate.
Recommended Use:
2 capsules taken daily with meals or as professionally directed.
Contra-indications:
None known if recommended intake is followed.
Keep out of reach of children.
Is this an ongoing supplement, like a vitamin would be? Yes, you do need to take this daily to acheive results with weight and fat
loss. Long-term safety of this supplement seems to be fairly well researched at
this point with no major side effects. Of side effects reported,
gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, heartburn,
and nausea were indicated in a clinical trial but at levels similar to placebo.
In a randomized clinical trial using 6g of CLA (Clarinol™) daily for up to one
year, researchers reported a lack of negative effects or other adverse events.
How much should I take? The research that shows the best results are where people taking 3 - 4 g
/day. If each softgel has 1 g. I would recommend taking 1-2 softgels per meal
for best results. Also, please be aware that while this supplement has had
positive results for many, there are those that do not have such success
according to the research. It is also very important to eat a healthy diet,
without excessive calories and to exercise daily while taking CLA for best
results.
Read Customer questions and answers about Immune Support in our FAQ.
CLA Helps Triglycerides
CLA seems to direct triglycerides away from storage and towards oxidation. A study published in the journal Nutrition discusses what happens after feeding animals an atherogenic diet followed by t10, c12 CLA and then looking at changes in muscle triacylglycerol. The CLA increased food efficiency and gastrocnemius muscle weight. CLA feeding also resulted in decreased muscle triacylglycerol content. The researchers concluded the following:
"Decreased fatty acid uptake and increased fatty acid oxidation can contribute to the decreased muscle triacylglycerol content observed in hamsters fed the CLA diets. The increase in muscle fatty acid beta-oxidation might ultimately prevent storage of triacylglycerols in adipose tissue."
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