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Conjugated Linoleic Acid Softgels

What is Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil?

Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is a slightly altered form of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid and an omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA) (Wikipedia), which the body cannot produce.

This non-GMO product is derived from safflower seed oil. CLA and its isomers have become the focus of numerous research programs exploring the supplement's nutritional, therapeutic and pharmacologic properties.

The average American diet provides less than 1 gram of conjugated linoleic acid a day. High-fat meats like ground beef, lamb and full-fat dairy products have the highest natural amounts of CLA. Oddly enough, Cheese Whiz is one processed food that is particularly high in CLA. The body does not produce CLA, so it can only come from the diet.

Conjugated linoleic acid oil is a naturally occurring trans-fatty acid. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is also a naturally occurring mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (cis-9, cis-12-octadecadienoic acid) with conjugated (Wikipedia) double bonds. Specifically, conjugated linoleic acid is a di-unsaturated long chain (C18) fatty acid. Because it is a conjugated system, CLA is believed by many researchers to be more beneficial for human consumption.

Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil

CLA supplements, or fats containing CLA, generally contain a mixture of various isomers which have different shapes, functions, and benefits. Some studies on CLA use in humans include reported reductions in body fat, changes in serum total lipids, and decreased whole body glucose uptake.

Purity and Concentration of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil 80% contains no fillers or additives. Derived from Safflower seed oil, this product is standardized to contain at least 80% of the essential CLA components.

Approximate percentages of the various isomers:
• 9% Cis-9 Trans-11 Isomer
• 40% Trans-10, Cis-12 Isomer
• 10% Other Isomers

Keep airtight, cool, dry and dark. For best results, refrigerate after opening.

Potential Side Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil

There have been no toxic effects linked to CLA supplementation, although some people do report stomach upset when they take extremely high quantities of the supplement. There have been mixed results in clinical studies on whether CLA might increase insulin resistance and an inflammatory response in obese people. Diabetics who are overweight should consult a physician before taking CLA.

Suggested Use of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil

As a dietary supplement, take 1/4 tsp three times daily or 1/2 tsp twice daily with meals, or as directed by a physician. Individual needs may vary. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil here. A serving of 1/4 teaspoon is about 1.1 grams. A serving size of 1/2 tsp is about 2.2 grams.

Since this product contains 80% CLA, a serving size of 2.2 grams (1/2 tsp) will provide 1.8 grams of CLA. Likewise, if you take 1/2 teaspoon twice per day, that is equal to 4.4 grams of the oil, and yields 3.5 grams of CLA.

Bioavailability, Mixing, and Solubility, of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Oil

CLA does not dissolve at all in water. It tends to leave a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste and an unpleasant film or coating in the mouth and on the teeth (which usually disappears after a few minutes). Mix in a glass with about 4 ounces hot water, stir and drink. Or if you prefer, Purebulk offers softgel capsules of Conjugated Linoleic Acid.

For increased bioavailability, CLA can be mixed with 8 ounces of hot whole milk, half-and-half or coconut milk. The fat content of the milk will help to dissolve the CLA and allow it to be digested and absorbed more efficiently.

References & Further Research

Wikipedia: Conjugated Linoleic Acid

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.