CLA represents a family of linoleic acid isomers containing conjugated* double bonds. The two primary isomers in commercial supplements are c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA.**<\/p>\n
Supplemental CLA has a range of potential health effects – both positive and negative.\u00a0 CLA has antioxidant<\/a> and anti-cancer activity<\/a>, and may be beneficial for fat loss<\/a>.\u00a0 It may also increase inflammation<\/a> and insulin resistance<\/a>.\u00a0 The type of effects seen may be isomer-specific: the t10, c12 isomer appears to be responsible for both the effects on insulin resistance AND\u00a0body fat losses<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, CLA supplementation appears to be relatively safe for human consumption in typical, supplemental amounts.\u00a0 A recent meta-analysis<\/a> concluded that a dose of 3.2 g\/day “…produces a modest loss of body fat in humans.”<\/p>\n See Paul’s “CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Review<\/a>” for more information.<\/p>\n