Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) has only been used by bodybuilders and fitness athletes for a couple of years now. The initial results and the early University Studies are very promising.
CLA is actually a form of fat; that’s right, fat. It’s one of the so-called “good” fats and it’s found naturally in dairy products, lamb, and red meat. The problem, of course, is that these foods not only contain the “good” and beneficial CLA, they also often contain large amounts of “bad” or saturated fats.
Supplementing with CLA, on the other hand, should provide all the health and fitness benefits without the drawbacks of the saturated fats found in the foods themselves.
Although it’s still not fully understood, CLA likely works by helping to regulate protein and fat metabolism in the body. This in turn can result in a reduction of overall body fat and an increase in lean muscle mass. Sounds good to me!
In animal studies, CLA has also been shown to protect against many different types of common cancers and to help prevent heart disease. CLA may also play a role in supporting immune function. I know in my own case I seem to get far fewer colds when supplementing with CLA.
Bottom Line: I find CLA to be an excellent support supplement for individuals interested in promoting lean muscle mass, fat reduction, and overall health.
* Note: Image(s) by the courtsey of http://www.jchemed.chem.wisc.edu.