CLA: Burns Fat, Increases Lean Muscle, Helps Maintain Weight

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

13 Feb 2007 03:00 PM

Conjugated Linoleic Acid, or CLA, is a naturally occurring fatty acid which can be found in meat and dairy products. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. Three health benefits of CLA are reduction of body fat, increased lean muscle, and weight loss maintenance. A study of CLA was conducted by Jean-Michel Gaullier, PhD and his colleagues at Scandinavian Clinical Research Group in Norway. Participants were divided into three groups. Two were given either a pill or CLA syrup and the third was given an olive oil filled capsule. In twelve months, the pill group lost 9% of body fat and the syrup group lost 7%. In addition, each group had improved muscle mass.

In a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, participants who took CLA supplements reduced fat by 2.2 pounds and dropped 1.3 pounds. The objective of the study was to determine whether CLA helped healthy, overweight people lose weight and reduce body fat over a six month time frame which included the holidays. While in the study, the participants were moderately active and did not follow a regimented diet.

So, how does CLA work? It blocks the enzyme, lipoprotein lipase, which breaks down fats. After the fat is broken down, it's stored. Suppression of lipoprotein lipase reduces fat break down which lowers the amount of fat stored.

There are so many weight loss supplements and fat burners on the market; it's hard to know which one will work. Results vary for everyone. Yet, I'm curious to know if CLA performs as the researchers claim. Have you taken any products like Natrol Tonalin CLA? The CLA in this product is derived from the linoleic acid in safflowers. The recommended dosage is one pill, three times a day. Please consult your physician before trying any CLA product. If you have used a CLA product, please tell us about your experience.

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Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

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