Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Major therapeutic interest

• Improving ratio of muscle mass/fatty tissue;
• Boosting athletic performance;
• Providing protection against cancer and cardiovascular diseases*;
• Stimulating the immune system;
• Improving glucose tolerance*.

Other therapeutic interest / Traditional Use

As a supplement

The amount ingested through a regular diet must not be exceeded (approximately 1 g of CLA per day). 

• Pregnancy (potentially lower birth weight in newborns). Please note that CLA absorbed from foods is risk-free;
• Children ages 12 and under;
• Liver problems.

Main constituents

Mixture of active molecules sharing the same chemical composition, with slightly different structures; mostly cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers of linoleic acid  

Main dietary sources of CLA: 

• Meat from ruminants (lamb, beef, mutton, goat), milk, and other dairy products.

Sources for the production of CLA supplements:

• Vegetable oils transformed by chemical reactions. 

Important Notice

• *Findings from studies on humans do not support this use; rather they are contrary to these claims;
• *It is impossible to evaluate the health effects of long-term use of CLA as a supplement since the development of insulin resistance has been observed in humans. Close medical supervision is therefore necessary for diabetics.