CLA Supplements: a Fat Burner?

provided by Healthcastle.com Nutrition

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a fatty acid found naturally in meat and dairy food. CLA supplements currently sold as a fat burner is derived from sunflower oil. There is some evidence, although limited, that CLA supplements can reduce body fat in overweight people. It is uncertain how CLA help lose body fat. One study found that CLA may help burn fat by increasing energy expenditure.

There are very few clinical trials of CLA in overweight people. These studies showed that CLA supplements did result in fat loss, but not body weight. A Swedish study published in 2001 showed that of CLA supplements decreased abdominal fat in overweight men. Another Dutch study published in July 2003 showed that CLA supplements help maintain lean muscle tissue after weight loss.