Conjugated Linoleic Acid Molecular Structure
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a collective term used to describe a group of Linoleic Acids that contain double bonds along the 9th and 11th carbon atoms in the Linoleic Acid molecule. There are eight known isomers of Linoleic Acid (different places where the double bonds occur). Unlike pure Linoleic Acid, Conjugated Linoleic Acid does not metabolize into Arachidonic Acid which is a promoter of inflammation. CLA benefits metabolism and is primarily used for weight loss but also has Immune and Cardiovascular benefits. Conjugated Linoleic Acid benefits the elderly in that it has the ability to help seniors retain muscle mass. Loss of muscle mass in the aging population is a major cause of Osteoporosis, injury and Type 2 Diabetes. Considerable research done on CLA has shown that it has no toxicity or adverse side effects.
As I mentioned above most people who supplement with CLA do so for weight control and may not be aware of its beneficial effects on the immune system and cancer prevention. From the NIH: “Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a derivative of a fatty acid linoleic acid (LA), has been reported to decrease tumorigenesis in animals. CLA is unique because unlike most antioxidants which are components of plant products, it is present in food from animal sources such as dairy foods and meats. CLA concentrations in dairy products typically range from 2.9 to 8.92 mg/g fat of which the 9-cis, 11-trans isomer makes up to 73% to 93% of the total CLA. Low concentrations of CLA are found in human blood and tissues. In vitro results suggest that CLA is cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells and it inhibits the proliferation of human malignant melanoma and colorectal cancer cells. In animal studies, CLA has inhibited the development of mouse epidermal tumors, mouse forestomach cancer and rat mammary cancer.” It is important to note that while CLA is present in dairy products they are not in sufficient quantities to have the potential to reverse disease. That is why CLA supplementation is required for therapeutic benefit. Additionally, diets for many different type of cancer restrict or completely eliminate dairy products as they contain certain cancer promoting substances. Thus, one is much better off supplementing with a purified product.
But let us not ignore CLA’s other virtues. Consider this quote obtained from a PubMed article: “Originally described as an anti-carcinogenic fatty acid, in addition to its anti-obesogenic effects, CLA has now been shown to possess anti-atherosclerotic properties. This review summarizes the pre-clinical and human studies conducted using CLA to date, which collectively suggest that CLA has efficacy against cancer, obesity, and atherosclerosis. In addition, the potential mechanisms for the many integrative physiological effects of CLA supplementation will be discussed in detail, including an introduction to the gut microbiota as a potential mediator of CLA effects on obesity and atherosclerosis.”
The Health Benefits of CLA:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May prevent Atherosclerosis.
• May prevent Abnormal Blood Clotting due to its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May limit reactions to Food Allergies.
• CLA may prevent/inhibit certain Cancers including:
▪ Breast
▪ Colon
▪ Melanoma
▪ Prostate
• Can enhance the production of Helper T-Cells (CD4 Cells).
• May stimulate T-Lymphocyte production.
• Helps to increase IgA, IgG and IgM levels.
• May lower high levels of IgE which is associated with Allergies.
• Interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels may be increased by supplementation.
• Helps inhibit the release of Leukotrienes B4 and C4.
METABOLISM
• Possesses powerful antioxidant properties that are twice that of Beta-Carotene.
• Basal Metabolism (BMR) can be increased by supplementation.
• Helps normalize Insulin levels.
• Helps to lower elevated Blood Sugar and may be of benefit to Diabetes Mellitus patients.
• Total serum Cholesterol is lowered by supplementation.
• May significantly lower Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL Cholesterol) and protect them from oxidation.
• Serum Triglycerides can be lowered by supplementation.
• May prevent Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 by normalizing Insulin levels, preventing Insulin Resistance and lowering Blood Glucose levels.
• Elevated Leptin levels may be lowered by supplementation.
• Helps block the catabolic action of Glucocorticoids (Cortisone and Cortisol).
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• May facilitate Muscle Growth and helps prevent Muscle Loss.
• Muscle Strength may be increased by supplementation, especially for those engaging in Isotonic Exercise (bodybuilding).
• Can help prevent age associated Muscular Atrophy (Sarcopenia).
• Decreases Arachidonic Acid which helps lower Prostaglandin E2 preventing the catabolism of Skeletal Muscle.
USAGE
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is extremely safe and has shown no toxicity or adverse effects. The dosage of CLA used for weight loss in Obesity patients is 3,000mg daily taken in three divided doses of 1,000mg prior to each meal. To enhance muscle growth 6,000mg to 9,000mg is used in divided doses. 3,000mg to 4,000mg of CLA daily is typically used for Cancer prevention.
CLA Supplements
My Personal Recommendation:
Conjugated Linoleic Acid – 1,000mg
Conjugated Linoleic Acid – Bulk Powder
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