CLA

WHAT IS CLA?
CLA is a lipid (a fat) that shows genuine potential in the athletic performance field, having geunine benefits in terms of fat loss and increased lean mass. CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is one of the more promising lipids studied with quite an impressive amount of research mounting up in it's regard. In fact there have been numerous studies showing the impressive lean mass gains and fat lowering abilities of this fat, along with its anti-carcinogenic properties and cholesterol lowering effects.

In scientific terms CLA is a general term for a mixture of conjugated dienoic isomers of linoleic acid (C 18:2 n-6). CLA is present as a naturla compound in meat and dairy products. Several positional isomers can be distinguished. However, the two predominent isomers are cis9, trans11 and trans10,cis12. c9,t11 and t10,c12 are believed to be active isomers.

HOW DOES CLA WORK?
CLA works in a number of ways. Firstly it interferes with a substance called lipoprotein lipase that helps store fat in the body, whilst CLA aids your body use it's existing fat for energy. CLA increases lean muscle tissue, which obviously speeds up the fat loss process, as more muscle burns more calories. This is probably achieved as CLA is most likely to be an actual growth factor in many species, possibly humans too.

There have been numerous studies showing the positive benefits of this lipid, one by Dr Michael Pariza of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, announced the results of the first human clinical trial involving 20 men and women, conducted by Erling Thom, Ph.D. of Medstat Research Ltd in Lillestrom, Norway. "A significant reduction in body fat is obtained during a treatment period of 3 months with CLA capsules, while no reduction is obtained in a comparable placebo treated group."

At the same time as reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle tissue, this patented nutrient, acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. It is interesting also to note that in this study stated the patients were asked not to alter their diet or exercise program and was conducted on average 150 or so lb people as opposed to the often citied Obese subject trials. Meaning normal people, with normal metabolisms, burning off around 20% of their fat in three months.

CLA DOSAGE AND WHEN?
Most CLA available on the market is the unique patented format and is usually available in 1000mg doses, each containing around 800mg of active CLA per dose. The recommended amount of CLA per day is around 3grams but should probably be increased to around 4 or 5 grams for increased muscle mass results or those whom are over 200lbs of bodyweight. CLA, being a type of fat, can be taken in one big dose first thing in the morning or spread evenly throughout the day - often we see 0.5 - 1g of CLA added to many popular meal replacement powders.

Tonalin from PharmaNutrients is one of the main patent holders to this nutrient along with Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, whom also license EAS. It is advised you stick with a CLA with one of these brand names accompanying it.