The Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid [CLA]

Since the discovery conjugated linoleic acid's powerful anti-cancer property in a 1988 animal study, some studies have suggested that it might have the same benefits to humans. And it is not confined to just a variety of cancers, but to obesity and diabetes as well. Human studies have been ongoing to confirm early interesting findings about CLA. [read earlier post: Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Why the Buzz?]


In a research conducted at the University of Wisconsin by Dr. Michael Pariza to determine CLA's effects on obesity, it was found out that CLA does not make big fat cells get smaller. Its action is to prevent small fat cells from becoming bigger. So, in other words, if you are into weight loss, CLA will not work for you. But if you don't want to add on fat, CLA is an option. This study was reported in August 2000 to the American Chemical Society. CLA pills merchants have been deceptively marketing it as weight loss supplements, which will only disappoint expectant buyers.

The University of Wisconsin research did not find weight loss in 71  overweight participants in the study. When the participants stopped dieting, those who were taking CLA gained muscle, and not fat, unlike those who were not on CLA. This should be a hit among muscle builders, if that is the case.

In another study, this time conducted at Purdue University in Indiana, 67% of diabetic patients taking CLA supplemented diets were found to have improved insulin levels. Their blood glucose and triglyceride levels were also moderately reduced.

The uniqueness of CLA is that we can benefit from its full anti-cancer efficacy at amounts that just approximate our levels of consumption of meat and dairy products.