Conjugated Linoleic Acid also known as CLA has been marketed as the “fat that burns fat”. How can fat burn fat? Well just like Medium Chain Triglycerides found in coconut oil which causes a thermogenic effect leading to more calorie burn, CLA can also help you burn more calories. It is a safe and caffeine free alternative to fat burners when assisting in weight loss.
What is CLA? CLA is found mainly in pasture fed beef and dairy products. There are different types of CLA that serve different functions. Cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 are the best known forms that are found in most dietary supplements. The Conjugated Linoleic Acid in supplements comes from safflower oil.
What does it do? CLA has been in several clinical studies for its potential benefits in preventing cancer, increasing lean muscle, and endurance but most of the of the research has focused on its aid in fat loss. CLA reduces body fat by increasing basal metabolic rates. It causes the body to burn more calorie s and prevents the size of the fatty tissue from getting bigger.
How do you take it? We recommend taking 1-2 softgels with meals for a total of 3,000mg-6000mg per day. Most clinical research suggest 3,400mg per day was on average the effective dose.
Discount Nutrition carries a wide range of CLA in many different sizes. Most brands use a 80% CLA blend meaning 80% (800mg) out of the 1,000mg softgel is CLA. Allmax CLA95 which is 95% pure CLA per Softgel (950mg) is the highest on the market. It comes in 2 sizes 90 softgels and 150 softgels. Another great option is MRM CLA1250. It is 80% CLA and yields 1,000mg of pure CLA per softgel because of its higher milligram softgel. These are two great high quality brands.
CLA makes a great product to combine with other weight loss aids. Some popular Combinations are CLA and L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine is an amino acid that tells your body to shuttle fat for energy in your muscles. L-Carnitine is caffeine free and comes in powder, capsules, or liquids. CLA and “fat burners” make a great combination as well. fat burners give you energy, curb your appetite, and increase your metabolism. Most contain caffeine and other natural herbs. Or you can combine all three for a super combination to “burn the fat!”.