Description

Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a collective name for a group of modified forms of Linoleic Acid that contain double bonds [conjugation] along the 9th and 11th carbons in the Linoleic Acid molecule - there are eight known isomers (different places on the Linoleic Acid molecule where double bonds may occur), but the cis-10, trans-12 isomer is presently believed to be the most therapeutically active isomer. Until 1999 it was thought that the cis-9, trans-11 was the most biologically active. The type known as cis-12, trans-10 is the second most predominant isomer in the CLA group. Unlike "true" Linoleic Acid, Conjugated Linoleic Acid does not undergo the metabolic transformations associated with Linoleic Acid that lead to the production of Arachidonic Acid.

Health Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Cardiovascular System

CLA helps to prevent Atherosclerosis. research
CLA helps to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation. research

Immune System

CLA limits reactions to (Food) Allergies (due to CLA’s effects on the Immune System). research
CLA potently inhibits the development of some forms of Cancer: research

- CLA inhibits the initiation, growth and metastasis of Breast Cancer. research
- CLA helps to prevent Colon Cancer. research
- CLA helps to prevent Melanoma. research
- CLA inhibits the further growth and metastasis of the Cancer cells involved in Prostate Cancer. research

CLA stimulates the production of Helper T-Cells (CD4 Cells).
CLA stimulates the production of T-Lymphocytes. research

Metabolism

CLA possesses potent Antioxidant properties: research

- The Antioxidant effects of CLA are believed to be 200% greater than those of Beta-Carotene.

CLA increases the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). research
CLA helps to lower elevated Blood Sugar levels (which is particularly beneficial for Diabetes Mellitus patients). research
CLA lowers total serum Cholesterol levels and also increases the stability of Cholesterol, causing it to become less susceptible to Oxidation: research

- CLA significantly lowers LDL Cholesterol and helps to prevent the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol levels. research

CLA helps to prevent Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (by normalizing Insulin levels, preventing Insulin Resistance and lowering Blood Sugar (Glucose) levels. research
CLA helps to prevent Insulin Resistance (i.e. it increases Insulin Sensitivity). research
CLA (3,300 mg per day) facilitates weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity (it stimulates the process of thermogenesis and lipolysis in Brown Adipose Tissue). CLA also reduces the deposition additional Fats in existing Adipose Tissue. research

CLA lowers serum Triglycerides levels. research

Musculoskeletal System

CLA (4,000 - 5,000 mg per day) facilitates Muscle Growth (i.e. it possesses anabolic properties) and inhibits Muscle loss (catabolism): research

- CLA increases nitrogen retention.

CLA increases Muscle Strength (especially in people who engage in Isotonic Exercise (bodybuilding)). research
CLA decreases Arachidonic Acid levels in Skeletal Muscle (thereby helping to lower Prostaglandin E2 (a compound that can cause catabolism of Skeletal Muscle) levels in Skeletal Muscle. research

CLA Enhances the Function/Production of these Substances

Hormones

CLA helps to normalize Insulin levels. research

Immune System Chemicals (Cytokines)

CLA increases IgA levels. research
CLA increases IgG levels. research
CLA increases IgM levels. research
CLA significantly increases the production of Interleukin 2 (IL-2). research

Vitamins

CLA inhibits the degradation of Vitamin E. research

CLA Minimizes the Toxic Effects of these Substances

Amines

CLA reduces the toxicity of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines (HAAs). research

Enzymes

CLA inhibits Ornithine Decarboxylase. research

Hormones

CLA minimizes the catabolic effects of Glucocorticoids (Cortisone and Cortisol) - i.e. CLA is regarded as an Anti-Catabolic compound.

Immune System Chemicals

CLA lowers levels of IgE (which, in excess, is associated with Allergies). research

Lipids

CLA reduces the body's production of Arachidonic Acid (thereby reducing the production of the sometimes toxic Eicosanoids (such as Prostaglandin E2) for which Arachidonic Acid is a precursor): research

- CLA decreases Arachidonic Acid levels in Skeletal Muscle.

CLA inhibits the release of Leukotriene B4. research
CLA inhibits the release of Leukotriene C4. research
CLA lowers the level of Linoleic Acid in Phospholipids. research
CLA inhibits the production of Series 2 Prostaglandins: research

- CLA inhibits the production of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). research