CLA and its effects on body composition
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Polyunsaturated fatty acids found naturally in ruminant animal products
Formed as a result of rumen gut microbial metabolism of dietary linoleic acid (a.k.a Omega 6)
Found in low levels of dairy fat and meat
Located on Cis-9, Trans-11 generally and this is most potent form but there are numerous isomers (28 known)
Most common isomer is Trans-11 Cis-12 - Expresses linoleic isomerase
CLA can be prepared synthetically from oils such as sunflower oil where an alkaline-catalyzed reaction can convert linoleic acid to CLA
Health Benefits
Anti Cancer
Anti obesity
Glucose metabolism and diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Gut microbiome
Effect on body composition
Body composition
CLA isomer responsible for reducing adiposity is trans 10, cis 12 which has shown:
Fat-lowering action
Enhanced B oxidation of fatty acids in adipose tissue
Enhanced energy expenditure
A study on a mouse model with phenotypes similar to human metabolic syndrome showed trans 10, cis 12 CLA promotes substantial browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice, increasing energy expenditure
Researchers are beginning to understand that CLA might promote a form of weight loss that may not be metabolically healthy. But can be alleviated by co-therapies that mitigate the negative effects.
Human studies have shown the beneficial effects of CLA supplementation on body weight and adiposity with no evidence of negative effects
Some Swedish studies show trans-10, cis-12 CLA-mediated weight loss can occur at the expense of metabolic health.