Dr. Perricone’s Top 10 Super Supplements – #6 – Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Super Supplement #6: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is a fatty acid that is found in many of the foods we eat. At one time, beef and lamb were exceptional sources; however when their diet was changed from grass to grain, levels of CLA dramatically decreased in meat and dairy products. CLA is also a powerful aid in prevention and treatment of obesity. When taken in effective doses, CLA decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen.
In addition to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing actions of CLA, many studies show that CLA helps prevent muscle loss and weakness associated with aging and disease. This is one of the reasons CLA has long been a favorite supplement of athletes and body builders.
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 1,000 mg, up to a maximum of 4,000 mg per day, taken in 1 or 2 doses.
CLA Tips:
When take with sesame seeds, the effects of CLA are enhanced.
The average diet provides no more than a gram (1000 mg) of CLA per day.
CLA may be taken with meals.
Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management
Taking a CLA supplement may rasie the hs-CRP which is a marker of inflammation. How does this correlate with it being described as an anti-inflammatory?
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You are correct; there is one study that revealed that taking CLA can indeed raise CRP levels. So if anyone has a history of cardiovascular disease, they should be under the care of a nutritionally-oriented physician when taking CLA. That being said, CLA does contain antioxidant benefits, as shown in the following studies:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18656302?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18409096?ordinalpos=9&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17408517?ordinalpos=21&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
CLA also improves insulin resistance and decreases body fat while enhancing muscle mass; this is what qualifies CLA as an anti-inflammatory. Excess body fat is now defined as a pro-inflammatory state, and taking CLA can help decrease internal inflammation by improving the body mass index.
Hope this helps!
Is CLA reccomended and safe in pregnancy?
We recommend you talk to your doctor to see if CLA is right for you during pregnancy.