by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Health Benefits
Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, has been shown to increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat. It also has antioxidant properties that increase immune function and provide anti-carcenogenic benefits. These benefits were found with 500 mg to 1 gram of CLA given three times a day. Many CLA supplements recommend 1 gram of CLA three times daily with meals.
On the Other: Safety Issues
In some participants CLA caused elevated insulin levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome or Type-2 diabetes. Weight loss and fat loss were not observed in obese participants of the studies. A small number of participants experienced adverse effects, including nausea and insomnia.
Bottom Line
The benefits of CLA are still being studied. Adverse reactions that were observed during the study were not permanent; within two weeks of stopping CLA supplementation the adverse effects stopped. CLA supplementation appears to be safe according to the research done so far, but the benefits and fat loss do not last once CLA supplementation stops.
Source:
ods.od.nih.gov: Health Effects of CLA
ods.od.nih.gov: Perspectives on Conjugated Linoleic Acid Research
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