Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): my Opinion & Purchase at the Best Price

[Article updated on 19/09/2023]

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA or CLA) has attracted a lot of attention in the fitness industry and is growing in popularity among gymnasts, bodybuilders, and individuals looking to burn fat. A member of the omega fatty acid family, Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a mixture of at least 28 positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, an essential polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Apart from its slimming properties, this fatty acid provides immense health benefits including muscle building and improvement of strength, fight against cancer, bone building, reversal of atherosclerosis, improving digestion and reducing allergies. In the following lines, we will look at user reviews, as well as the price of ALC, before ending with advice regarding its use.

What is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

In the opinion of experts, all types of fats (lipids), whether animal products, eggs, dairy products or oils, nuts, seeds and coconuts, are made up of fatty acids. Some fats are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own, while others are nonessential because the body can synthesize them from other nutrients. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish, seafood, eggs and some nuts or seeds) and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds) are the main nutrients essential to the human diet.

These two types both have important, but somewhat opposing, effects in the body. Omega-3s are known to be anti-inflammatory while omega-6s are inflammatory. The human body needs both types of essential fats to balance its immune, hormonal, digestive and nervous system functions, which explains why so many risks are associated with low-fat diets.

Ideally, the diet should contain equivalent amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, the standard Western diet is much richer in omega-6. This is why this eating pattern is at the root of most chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, autoimmune diseases and dementia.

Among the different types of fatty acids, there are saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, which are three names used to describe the chemical structures of fats. Each type offers different benefits and functions through its particular effects on different body systems. All fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms linked with a hydrogen bond. When each carbon acid is bonded to hydrogen, a saturated fat is formed; if a pair of carbon atoms forms a bond, a monounsaturated fat is formed; and when there are more than two unsaturated bonds, a polyunsaturated fat is formed.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a type of polyunsaturated fat, specifically an omega-6 fatty acid. It is believed that some of the microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants convert linoleic acid into different forms of CLA through a process of biohydrogenation. According to professionals, this process changes the position and configuration of the double bonds in the grease, resulting in a single bond instead of the double bond.

Usually we think that the foods we eat contain only one type of fat, but the truth is that almost all foods are made up of different types of fats. The main omega-6 fat is called linoleic acid and it is found in foods including grains and vegetable oils (such as corn, safflower, sunflower or canola oil). Omega-6 oils are now known to be excessively consumed and therefore dangerous.

As we can see, both types of essential fats not only need to be obtained from the foods we eat, but it is also important to consume them in the right amounts. Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a type of omega-6 fat that you should consume more of because it tends to act like an omega-3 food, helping to reduce inflammation and promote other aspects of health. health. It also helps suppress hunger (by controlling the hunger hormone called ghrelin) and may improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. There are actually 28 different forms of ALC, but two seem to be the most important. These are called “c9, t11” and “t10, c12”.

Price and mode of action of ALC

This dietary supplement, relatively attractively priced, reduces body fat by increasing basal metabolic rates. In other words, it helps the body convert food into energy more efficiently. Conjugated Linoleic Acid does not decrease overall body weight; but rather its fat content. This can alter the body’s fat-to-muscle ratio. In one study, researchers found that those who stopped dieting and did not take CLA ultimately gained weight back in the typical fashion, about 75% fat to 25% muscle. Participants who stopped dieting but continued to take CLA also gained weight, but with a 50 to 50 ratio of muscle to fat.

Nutritionists say the purported benefits of this inexpensive supplement extend far beyond a slimmer waistline. Other studies suggest that in addition to increasing muscle strength and exercise endurance, CLA may impact specific diseases and conditions. Dr. Delbert Dorscheid, a cancer and asthma researcher at the University of Chicago School of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, reviewed more than 200 published research and clinical studies around the world on health benefits of the ALC. Among the findings were women with increased levels of CLA in their body tissues who had lower rates of breast cancer. Similar results have been reported for colon and prostate cancer. And the health benefits don’t stop there: CLA is linked to improved immune system function, as well as a decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even allergies.

In the opinion of researchers, CLA has a powerful inhibitory effect on the accumulation of body fat, but its effects on muscles are inconclusive. In animal models, this mid-priced supplement reduces some but not all forms of cancer. Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid is particularly effective in inhibiting breast cancer in rodents. However, some things, like how it affects diabetes, haven’t been proven. Even if CLA does not prove to be a miracle cure for cancer, it is likely that it will continue to be a very popular dietary supplement.

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The health benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

This compound can be called a miracle supplement, because it alone brings together a host of health benefits. No wonder it is so popular among bodybuilders and anyone who wants to lose weight.

Helps with weight loss and fat burning

It may be hard to believe, but it turns out that butter is a fat-burning food! CLA is known to aid fat loss in numerous animal and human studies, which is why in its concentrated form it is one of the most popular weight loss supplements in the world. According to a 2009 report in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, CLA reduces adiposity (fat) due to its impact on energy metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation, lipid metabolism and apoptosis.

Supplementation with a mixture of CLA (equal concentrations of the 10,12 and 9,11 isomers) or the 10,12 isomer alone decreases fat mass, according to the results of numerous animal studies. Of the two major isomers, 10,12 appears to be specifically responsible for the anti-obesity effects of CLA.

In human studies, the results of CLA on weight loss have been somewhat mixed, although promising. One study found that supplementing a CLA blend in overweight and obese people (three to four grams per day for 24 weeks) decreased body fat and increased lean body mass. Other studies have shown that CLA also has no negative effects on overall blood lipids, inflammation levels, and insulin response in healthy, overweight, and obese adults.

It is believed that some people have better results than others due to factors such as the combination of isomers, dose and duration of treatment, gender, weight, age and metabolic status of the subjects. One possible potential mechanism by which CLA reduces body fat could be that it decreases energy intake or increases energy expenditure. One study demonstrated that mice supplemented with a CLA mixture for four weeks reduced their food intake and improved liver function, although studies have not shown this same effect in humans.

Regulation of blood sugar levels

There is strong evidence that there is an inverse association between dietary CLA consumption and diabetes risk. The hypothesis is that CLA may be involved in insulin regulation. It is also known that the best sources of CLA, including healthy fats like butter or grass-fed beef, can stabilize blood sugar levels and help a person follow a low-carb diet beneficial for controlling diabetes .

Improving immune function and fighting cancer

Conjugated Linoleic Acid has shown immuno-enhancing effects and anti-carcinogenic activities in several animal studies. CLA found in foods high in saturated fat could offset the harmful effects of saturated fat content and is believed to benefit everything from blood sugar control to hormone regulation to natural cancer prevention.

Research repeatedly shows that the quality of fatty acids in the diet is very important in reducing overall cancer risk, and conjugated linoleic acids (especially rumenic acid) have been shown to benefit health in several ways . In the opinion of bodybuilders, lower inflammation is a lesser sign of free radical damage which is linked to lower cancer risk.

CLA appears to modulate immune and inflammatory responses as well as improve bone mass. Research on the effects of conjugated linoleic acid for breast cancer prevention is somewhat conflicting, but some preliminary research suggests that a higher intake of CLA from natural foods is associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer. breast cancer. Other study findings suggest it may be beneficial in fighting cancer of the digestive organs and may improve detoxification via healthier liver function.

Reduction of allergies and asthma symptoms

Consuming CLA-rich foods or taking CLA supplements for 12 weeks appears to improve symptoms and overall well-being in people with seasonal allergy symptoms. Likewise, some research shows that for people with asthma, CLA could be a natural treatment method for asthma-related symptoms. Twelve weeks of supplementation appears to improve airway sensitivity and the ability to exercise.

Improved symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Early research suggests that CLA is beneficial for reducing inflammation and therefore autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Taking Conjugated Linoleic Acid alone or with other supplements like vitamin E benefits those with arthritis by reducing symptoms, including pain and morning stiffness. Markers of pain and inflammation, including swelling, were improved in adults with arthritis taking CLA compared to symptoms before treatment or in people not taking CLA, meaning CLA can treat arthritis naturally.

Improved muscle strength

Although results have been somewhat conflicting, some research shows that taking Conjugated Linoleic Acid alone or with supplements like creatine and whey protein can help increase strength and improve lean tissue mass. This is why CLA is often added to some bodybuilding supplements, protein powders or weight loss formulas.

How to take Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplements are generally available in solid capsule or liquid form. CLA supplements vary in concentration, so you’ll want to look for a product that contains around 80 percent CLA. The recommended dosage of CLA supplements is 3.4 g or 3,400 mg per day. Consuming Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplements with protein-rich foods such as milk can reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea or diarrhea.

Guidelines for purchasing and delivering CLA

Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a supplement, and therefore does not require a prescription. It is available in natural supplement stores. The optimal dosage for CLA is approximately 3.4 g. Experts recommend purchasing a patented brand, as some brands may have inconsistent or insufficient amounts of conjugated linoleic acid. The study that established the effectiveness of CLA, used a patented form of CLA known as Tonalin. Tonalin’s patented formula can be found in a number of brands.

According to users, grocery stores, pharmacies, health supplement stores and online retailers are all choices for those who want to purchase conjugated linoleic acid supplements. Finding the best, safest and most effective supplement can seem daunting, but with tips, you can find the holy grail. Buying in a pharmacy is by far the most recommended option, because it is the safest. However, it requires the patient to move. Online pharmacies are the ultimate solution, because deliveries can even be made to your home. Depending on the option chosen, the product can be delivered in one or two days. You should absolutely avoid buying your food supplement from street vendors.

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Potential side effects of CLA available in pharmacies

CLA is considered safe when consumed as part of whole natural foods or taken by mouth in medicinal amounts greater than those found in food. For some people, taking CLA supplements may cause side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

Regarding Conjugated Linoleic Acid for children, it is best to avoid giving supplements to children because at present there is not enough evidence to know whether long-term use term is safe. However, food sources like butter and beef are definitely safe and encouraged because they not only provide CLA but also important nutrients for growth and development, including various vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Those who are scheduled for surgery, or who have a history of liver failure or bleeding disorders, should keep in mind that CLA supplementation may not be safe. Conjugated Linoleic Acid may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, but again, eating foods containing CLA should not pose a risk.

Reviews on the best sources of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Expert opinion

According to a report published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, the main sources of Conjugated Linoleic Acid include butter from grass-fed cows (ideally organic), full-fat dairy products (cream, milk, yogurt or cheese, grass-fed beef (ideally organic). It is also found in dairy products from sheep or goats. However, it is present in smaller quantities in lamb, veal, turkey and seafood. .

The proportion of Conjugated Linoleic Acid ranges from 0.34 to 1.07 percent of total fat found in dairy products (making it the highest source) followed by approximately 0.12 to 0.68 for percent of the total fat in raw or processed beef products (second best source). However, when it comes to animal products, the breed and especially the quality of the animal’s diet and lifestyle actually affect the fat one gets when eating the animal. In other words, not all CLA sources are equal.

In the opinion of fitness coaches, what the animal ate and the conditions in which it was raised greatly influence the amount of CLA it provides. Even the season, soil quality on farms and the age of the animal affect the CLA content. One study found that the CLA content of beef and dairy products from grass-fed cows is 300 to 500 percent higher than that of grain-fed cows!

According to nutritionists, grass-fed beef contains higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (and even more omega-3s and vitamins) than grass-fed animals. The same goes for dairy products we get from cows, including cream or butter. One of the best ways to find high-quality grass-fed beef is to purchase it directly from small farms, whether by visiting farmers’ markets, joining a community agriculture group, or even online . If you can’t find the perfect product, you will have to do your best while focusing on limiting industrial and artificial fats from your diet.

Consumer opinion

Find here some reviews that I saw on the Weightworld website when purchasing CLA:

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Conclusion

The CLA product from WeightWorld is a very good product! The composition is satisfactory with conjugated linoleic acid, but I would have preferred a 100% natural composition. In terms of price, the product offers good value for money with a bottle containing 180 capsules for a 2-month treatment. However, for optimal sources of conjugated linoleic acid, one should turn to foods such as grass-fed butter and full-fat dairy products, but hey I know it’s not easy. In conclusion, WeightWorld’s CLA product is a decent choice in terms of value for money!

Besides, if you are interested in fat burners, I also invite you to consult my detailed comparative article on the different products available on the market. There you will find an analysis of the best fat burners currently available, which will help you make a suitable decision to achieve your weight loss goals!

The alternatives

Speaking of the different products on the market, you can directly find the best alternatives for fat burner type products here: