What Is CLA?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an essential fatty acid. The body cannot produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from other fatty acids. Therefore, you must obtain CLA through your diet or supplements. Foods containing CLA include meat and dairy products. Unfortunately, due to changes in commercial animal-raising practices, there's been a drastic decrease in the amount of CLA available in milk and meat products; therefore, you may not get adequate amounts of CLA through diet alone. That's where supplements come in. CLA supplements may provide several potential health benefits, including supporting weight management and immune function. Animal studies suggest that CLA may have other health benefits, but human studies haven't shown the same effects.

How Do CLA Supplements Benefit My Health?

CLA is responsible for moving dietary fats into cells. It also moves glucose (sugar) into cells so that it can be used to make energy, rather than be stored as fat.

CLA may also support immune function and provide antioxidant effects. However, researchers do not yet fully understand how CLA produces these effects.

CLA has gained popularity for its use in weight loss. It decreases body fat, improves muscle tone and increases lean muscle mass. It also increases exercise tolerance or the length of time that one can exercise.

Shopping For Quality CLA Supplements

There are many supplement varieties available, and format is a personal preference. When shopping for a quality natural health supplement, select a brand that uses pure, potent ingredients and yields a dosage that works with your health goals and routine. 

CLA supplements are available as soft gel capsules. The supplements vary in price depending on the amount of CLA available in each capsule. Some companies have patented processes that increase the yield of CLA from their chosen source, usually vegetable oil. 

Cautions & Final Considerations

While CLA is generally well-tolerated, some people taking CLA supplements report digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pains, and indigestion. Poor blood sugar control and increased inflammation have also been side effects that have been reported.