How beneficial is CLA while cutting

[ravioli96]

Not sure if its worth taking

[Archanic]

I dont think its very effective unless you are taking many grams per day, like in the neighborhood of 7-10 grams per day IIRC. Its expensive.

[tatteredsaint]

you will get mixed opinions on that personally I prefer sesamin but it causes weakness in some people , I typically alternate between them if u want to use CLA look up "cheap supplements" brand in the store they are probably the best deal on it

[LiftHardOrDie22]

CLA is great for cutting in my opinion. Typically takes a month to see any types of results but its definitely worth picking up a 3 month supply. Stay on top of you Omega's too, its also something you can up the dosage on. Take a break every other month so you dont develop a tolerance.

[XLiberty]

i took it properly for around 3 weeks before i found it too hard to take it 3 times a day with college.

it seemed to start working but i struggle to keep a strict diet. its worth taking but is expensive

[rsemans]

Been taking 8gms a day for 6 weeks along with 6gms of fish oil. I can't really comment on how it's working cause I'm taking other cutting sups, but I'm leaning out more and more each week.

[El Conquistador]

I can't believe there are still people touting this as a cutting supplement...I'm sure these same people are touting arginine as a great supplement too!

It's a solid antioxidant, but you aren't getting any significant fat loss benefits unless you are taking super-high doses. And even at that point, you run into cost-effectiveness issues and it still is not all that effective.

If you aren't already taking a good dose of fish oil, use this instead. Much more proven, much more cost effective and many more overall health benefits.

[jimmyinkedup]

I just recently posted this in another thread. I dont think its a prudent supp choice.


If you are a diabetic it can increase insulin sensativity...if not it DECREASES insulin sensativity:

At Uppsala University (Diabetologica v. 47, 2004) obese men were given 3.4 g of CLA for 12 weeks. They came down with hyperproinsulinaenemia. Translation: their insulin sensitivity was impaired. This condition is a prelude to both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The authors concluded, “The use of weight loss supplements containing this fatty acid is worrying.” That’s an understatement certainly.

Uppsala University followed up this study (Am. J. Clin. Nutr. v. 80, 2004). They gave obese men 3 g of CLA for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity decreased by 15%. There were no measurable changes in body composition whatsoever. Lipid peroxidation increased as well which means you have more chance of getting cardiovascular disease. They promise to do similar studies in women.

University of Reading (Am. J. Clin Nutr. v. 80, 2004) Doctors gave healthy men CLA for eight weeks and it raised their total cholesterol as well as their triglyceride levels.

A few more:
J. Salas-Salvadó et al., “Conjugated Linoleic Acid Intake In Humans : A Systematic Review Focusing on Its Effect on Body Composition, Glucose and Lipid Metabolism,” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46, 2006, p. 479
content:there is not enough evidence to show that conjugated linoleic acid has an effect on weight and body composition in humans.” It was also found to have a negative effect on cholesterol.

Craig Pinkoski et al., “The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation during Resistance Training,” Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, 2006, p. 347
content:during weight training “CLA has small effects for decreasing fat mass and increasing lean tissue mass… the clinical significance is most likely quite small. The effect of CLA on fat and lean tissue mass was not supported in our crossover study.”


Ive never heard of anyone getting any dramatic effect from this. The effects on cholestrol & triglyceride levels are not surprising..its a trans fat. Its not recognized as such nutritionally because trans linkages in a conjugated system are not required to be classified as such under nutritional reguilations....but it is.
ala (esp in some forms) and an omega 3,6,9 would prob do better..without adverse effects and plus illict a positive effect on insulin sensativity and inflamatory response.
JMO

[Rodzilla]

IIRC most of the research showed benefit for those with a good deal of bodyfat, not sure it would provide much benefit for someone with an average amount. I haven't kept up on it lately, but I would look around for some recent studies.