CLA is an essential fatty acid (cannot be synthesized by the human body) that belongs to the omega-6 family. They are recognized for their role in maintaining normal cholesterol levels, normal brain function, and inflammatory response processes.
CLA is naturally found in red meat (beef, lamb, goat) and dairy products, even though the CLA in food supplements comes directly from vegetable oils (such as sunflower seeds or flax seeds).
As a standalone supplement ingredient, CLA has been shown to promote the loss of body fat and the preservation of lean muscle mass.
The two most common forms:
1. Derived primarily from food (C9, T11)
2. Derived primarily from supplements (T10, C12)
Conjugated linoleic acid has been shown to affect receptors responsible for increasing fat burning and glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism. Interestingly, CLA can help reduce fat without losing weight, suggesting that it is able to burn body fat while preserving lean muscle mass.
In conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise regimen, CLA will help reduce body fat while potentially increasing lean body mass.
Conjugated linoleic acid will play a role in the inhibition of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme involved in lipid metabolism (transfer of fat to adipocytes, the site of storage). By reducing the activity of this enzyme, CLA leads to a reduction in the storage of fat (triglycerides) in the body.
Secondly, it will play a role in the activation of lipolysis, a phenomenon of lipid degradation, which is then released in the form of fatty acids and used to produce energy (burn). As with the first function, this mechanism leads to a reduction in triglycerides locked in fat storage cells. Finally, studies highlight the involvement of CLA in accelerating the natural metabolism of adipocytes.
