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Conjugated Linoleic Acid


Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fat that, at least in obese lab mice, decreases the amount of fat that they store. CLA is found in small amounts in several foods, especially meat and dairy. Changes over the past several decades in how these animals are fed have drastically reduced the amount of CLA in the average American diet.

One study with conjugated linoleic acid supplements for weight loss in people taking 3.4 g to 6.8 g per day showed that it had no effect on their BMIs.

Side effects include mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

 


It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.


This article was written by John Vickery, MD.


References

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
Lexi-Comp database accessed on 4/19/08