CLA Effects On Lean Body Mass
CLA Effects On Lean Body Mass
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is getting great reviews on its positive effects on metabolic rate, fat oxidation and muscle building; some pretty big claims! But does conjugated linoleic acid work? Let’s take a look at what CLA is and how it affects lean body mass.
What Is CLA?
CLA is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid present in foods such as cheese, red meat and dairy products. It is known as a ‘good’ fat as is essential to the body for it to function properly. The amount of CLA found naturally in the food products mentioned is not enough to promote its full benefits and this is further compounded as the foods that contain naturally occurring CLA also contain large amount of calories and saturated ‘bad’ fats. Therefore supplementation is a very convenient way to achieve increased, healthy consumption.
Supplemental CLA is made from taking linoleic acid found in safflower oil and sunflower oil and converting it in a lab to conjugated linoleic acid.
Benefits & Effects Of CLA
One study performed on CLA conducted a six month trial; ‘Subjects were randomised into two groups supplemented with either 3 x 4 g/d CLA or placebo for 6 months. CLA significantly decreased BFM (body fat mass) at month 3 (Delta=- 0 x 9 %, P=0 x 016) and at month 6 (Delta=- 3 x 4 %, P=0 x 043) compared with placebo’ (Gaullier et. Al 2007).
The same study also saw an increase in lean body mass (LBM) within the CLA group. From the results of this study we can conclude that CLA is an effective oral supplement that has significant benefits to users looking for overall increases in muscle and decreases in body fat.
References
Gaullier JM, Halse J, Hoivik HO, Hoye K, Syvertsen C, Nurminiemi M, Hassfeld C, Einerhand A, O’Shea M, Gudmundsen O. (2007) ‘Six months supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid induces regional-specific fat mass decreases in overweight and obese’, The British Journal Of Nutrition, Mar;97(3):550-60.
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