CLA

Due to its unique effects, conjugated linolenic acid(CLA) has an important role in the protection against chronic diseases. This includes, first and foremost, prevention against malignant cancers and their progression. In addition, the intake of CLA in the daily diet also leads to a reduction in body fat. A few years ago, the discovery of conjugatedlinoleic acid (CLA) caused a scientific sensation. After all, it was possible to prove that this fatty acid derivative has particularly strong anti-tumor properties.

In studies, these led to an inhibition of malignant cancers such as breast cancer, prostate tumors, gastrointestinal carcinomas and malignant skin tumors (e.g. melanoma). Biochemically, linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid (as well as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid) that cannot be synthesized in the organism and must therefore be supplied with food. CLA is a slightly modified derivative of linolenic acid and is found in large quantities in red meat and cheese. In addition, CLA is also found in chicken meat, eggs and corn oil.

An actual deficiency of CLA is de facto difficult to prove. However, there are a number of indications from scientific studies that a diet low in CLA leads to an increase in body fat percentage in the longer term and is thus likely to be an important factor in the development of obesity. Due to unique mechanisms of action, CLA has a number of effects in terms of prevention of chronic diseases and also has a positive influence on body fat reduction. For this reason, CLA is now available as a dietary supplement.

CLA is a powerful antioxidant that also has anti-carcinogenic and anti-catabolic effects. Furthermore, CLA acts as a potent stimulator of the body's immune system, which may be responsible for the preventive properties of CLA in relation to cancer initiation, development and progression. These effects of CLA have been discovered and described in numerous scientific studies. The intake of CLA in the daily diet or as a dietary supplement leads to a reduction in the ratio of pure body mass to body fat percentage. Furthermore, there is less fat deposition in the abdominal area, and CLA also leads to an increase in muscle formation.

Physiologically, these effects come about through an enhancement of insulin sensitivity in the peripheral tissues, so that free fatty acids and glucose can be made available more quickly, especially to the muscles, and are not stored in the fatty tissue. With regard to the anti-catabolic effects, this property of CLA is particularly due to a prevention of muscle tissue breakdown. Compared to previous generations, it has been observed specifically in the US population that there has been a relative deficiency of CLA in the daily diet. This is mainly due to a change in the feeding of grazing livestock, which has decreased the CLA content in milk as well as dairy products.

For optimal CLA production, cows need fresh grass fodder, which is often made impossible in today's mass livestock farming. This CLA deficiency may also be partly responsible for the epidemic obesity that is rampant in America. Poor dietary habits, as well as a lack of CLA in foods, have far-reaching effects on health and longevity. Because of its unique effects on the immune system and metabolism, CLA should therefore be an important component of any balanced nutritional supplementation program.

In particular, the following active properties or effects have been demonstrated for CLA: Inhibition of malignant tumor growth - Improvement of immune system function - Increase of insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues - Anticatabolic effects related to muscle - Reduction of fat storage - Increase of body mass in relation to body fat - Cholesterol lowering and antiatherogenic effects - Antioxidant properties Protection against osteoporosis.

Safety and side effects

Conjugated linoleic acid is probably safe when used in food-grade amounts and may be safe and harmless when used in higher, medicinal amounts. Possible side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of conjugated linoleic acid during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and lactating women should avoid conjugated linoleic acid to be on the safe side. Diabetes: there is concern that conjugated linoleic acid may aggravate existing diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome: There is concern that conjugated linoleic acid may increase the risk of developing diabetes in people suffering from metabolic syndrome. For this reason, conjugated linoleic acid should not be used if you suffer from this disorder.

Optimal dosage in sports

Dietary measures with restriction of daily energy intake, with exercise, is the therapy of choice for overweight people. Low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to be superior to low-fat diets. Conjugated linoleic acid can influence lean body mass composition via metabolic effects and ultimately have a weight-reducing effect. My recommendation is a daily intake of 3-5g with meals. However, one would have to consume kilograms of CLA with food to reach a significant intake of CLA in this range (3-5g) per day. A dietary supplement would therefore be recommended.

References

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