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| Are you looking for a natural way to reduce body fat? Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) has been shown to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down fat globules in the blood. Without being broken down, adipocyte (fat cell) uptake is reduced, and fats pass through the body instead of accumulating. In addition, CLA increases the activity of lipase, a hormone-sensitive enzyme that metabolizes stored fat cells. Fatty reserves are returned to the blood stream, where they are used by the muscles for energy. This action is significant to both dieters and bodybuilders.
CLA is a class of Omega 6 fatty acids that naturally occurs in milk and red meat. However, production cattle (those fed grain and fish meal) lack the enzymes found in grasses to produce CLA. Research on CLA centers primarily on its ability to protect against breast cancer. Since the rise of breast cancer coincided with the loss of CLA from our food supply, a causal link has been suggested. Researchers also link the loss of CLA, with its ability to metabolize fat, to America’s obesity epidemic.
Dr. Erlin Thom, of Medstat Research Ltd. in Norway, conducted a double blind study of 20 healthy people over the course of three months, measuring body weight and percentage of body fat. Ten subjects were given a little over 1 gram of CLA three times a day with meals, while the other ten were given a placebo. The ten that took CLA lost an average of 5 lbs. More significantly, their percentage of body fat dropped by 15 to 20 percent—from 21.3% to 17 percent. The placebo group had little change.
Dr. Michael Pariza, of the University of Wisconsin Madison, conducted a double blind study of 80 obese people. Half were given 3 grams of CLA daily and the other half a placebo. Both groups were placed on a diet program and encouraged to exercise. Both groups lost an average of 5 lbs, but the CLA group reported less fatigue, dizziness and nausea. At the conclusion of the study, both groups regained weight. The placebo group regained weight at a ratio of 75% fat to 20% lean muscle, while the group that continued taking CLA gained weight at a ratio of 45% fat to 55% lean muscle. The CLA group also showed a decrease in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
Dr. Richard Kreider, of Memphis State University, in a double blind study of 27 resistance trained males over 28 days, found that the group given CLA increased strength in the bench press and leg press by almost 30 lbs., while the placebo group increased strength by only 9.5 lbs. Blood urea testing of nitrogen/creatine ratios suggest an anabolic (muscle building) effect.
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