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Conjugated Linoleic Acid ResearchConjugated linoleic acid or CLA is a fairly new supplement on the market which was spurred by some very surprising research results conducted on women with breast cancer. Because it is so new, the research as you'll find below, both supports and opposes its use as a fat burner. Research Title: Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid causes isomer-dependent oxidative stress and elevated C-reactive protein: a potential link to fatty acid-induced insulin resistance. Year Published: 2002 Research Summary: 60 obese men with metabolic syndrome (the Mayo Clinic defines this as a cluster of warning signs such as high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess body weight and high cholesterol2) were either given a CLA isomer, a CLA mixture or a placebo over three months to find out what effects conjugated linoleic acid had on insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammatory disease. Researchers reported that the group that received the conjugated linoleic acid isomer were found to have increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, which they feel may be linked to induced insulin resistance. The authors indicated that this might be of clinical relevance with respect to cardiovascular disease. Research Title: Supplemental products used for weight loss. Research Title: The effect of six different C18 fatty acids on body fat and energy metabolism in mice. The study found that the group receiving CLA had the lowest rate of storage of energy intake and that they expended the highest percentage of energy intake as heat as compared to those who received a non-CLA supplement. The research also found that the group receiving the CLA had the highest levels of energy and fat intake amongst the six groups. Conclusions about Conjugated Linoleic Acid:Conjugated Linoleic Acid is an altered form of linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that your body can't manufacture but needs for good health. If linoleic acid is excluded from the diet, retarded growth and skin lesions have been seen to occur in animals. Because of this need for this fatty acid, but the body's inability to manufacture it, it is termed an "essential fatty acid".1While some research does suggest that this supplement is useful for weight loss, it is very new to the market. At this point, a 6 g daily dose of conjugated linoleic acid has been shown to be safe for obese individuals. Some studies indicate that diets high in omega 6 fatty acids which include linoleic acid, have heightened prevalence of insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Foods that are high in linoleic acid include, beef, lamb and whole milk. Other references you might be interested in:1. Barasi, M. (1997) Human Nutrition Oxford University Press P. 79The effect of conjugated linoleic acid on calcium absorption and bone metabolism and composition in adult ovariectomised rats. Diet and disease--the Israeli paradox: possible dangers of a high omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet. Diet & Fitness TipsIf you found this useful, get great diet recipes, fat burning exercises and other articles like this one in our diet & fitness newsletter. Top Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Page.
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