CLA does it really work?

[SwagOsourusRex]

Hi i am wondering from the people who have used CLA if it truly worked for you? Can you tell me exactly what it did for you? From what i understand is it helps metabolise your body to burn fat and build lean muscle at the same time. Did it really do this for the users? Also would you suggest i keep using bcaa at the same time as this or is that a waste?

[FiveStarPre]

Hi i am wondering from the people who have used CLA if it truly worked for you? Can you tell me exactly what it did for you? From what i understand is it helps metabolise your body to burn fat and build lean muscle at the same time. Did it really do this for the users? Also would you suggest i keep using bcaa at the same time as this or is that a waste?

In on this thread....im pretty curious about CLA as well

[loveee]

What really works is a solid diet & workout routine.

[Braxley]

The problem is its difficult to tell. It only works if you have a good diet ( obviously) and workout regime, when you do start to lose fat its difficult to say whether its because CLA is helping to boost it or whether its because you are doing it right after calculating macros and workout. I have a tub and stopped taking them because I was on so many different supplements, was annoying feeding myself 6 CLA pills a day. Its tough becasue its not like a pre-workout where you can feel the buzz or creatine when your muscles feel full,etc In the end I stopped bothering and my progress has continued without.

[P90XVeteran]

It's very hard to tell! I'm taking CLA right now but idk if it's working lol. I have a very clean diet, consistent workouts and proper suppl. I hope that it's working with the clean diet! So far, so good! Results are def popping up

[ricka182]

I say no. I tested different dosages last year. Consistent diet and training, started at 4g per day, stopped at 20g. No changes in composition that were outstanding during the CLA that were any different from off CLA.

But as mentioned, diet is really where you make a difference. And for a fatburner, nothing beats a good ol' ECA stack. You can make your own for cheap, and it works better than anything you can buy combined.

[KimJong-il]

It may help, as far as my understanding goes obese people may benefit from it.

There are far better options out there rather than CLA imo. A product such as Genomyx HEAT, Dicana, 7-keto dhea (200mg daily) are winners.

Diet and training of course are more important than all.

[nugget5]

IMO CLA is a waste of money. But here is some proof

When non-commercially vested entities review CLA, the conclusions are not favorable:

Conjugated linoleic acid intake in humans: a systematic review focusing on its effect on body composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism.

Salas-Salvad J, Marquez-Sandoval F, Bull M. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(6):479-88.

Studies performed on different species show that the consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) leads to a loss of fat and total body weight, reduces the plasma concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol, and has an antiinflammatory effect. This article reviews the clinical trials on human beings that evaluate how mixtures of CLA isomers administered as supplements or CLA-enriched products can affect total body weight, body composition, plasma lipid profile, glycemia, insulinemia, insulin sensitivity, lipid oxidation, and inflammation. After analyzing the few studies published to date in reduced samples of healthy humans or patients with overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes, we deduce that there is not enough evidence to show that conjugated linoleic acid has an effect on weight and body composition in humans. However, some of these studies have observed that the administration of various CLA isomers has adverse effects on lipid profile (it decreases HDL cholesterol concentration and increases Lp(a) circulating levels), glucose metabolism (glycemia, insulinemia or insulin sensitivity), lipid oxidation, inflammation, or endothelial function. Therefore, long-term randomized clinical trials, controlled with placebo, need to be made in large samples of patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CLA isomers before its indiscriminate use in human beings can be recommended.

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The effects of conjugated linoleic acid on human health-related outcomes.
Tricon S, Burdge GC, Williams CM, Calder PC, Yaqoob P. Proc Nutr Soc. 2005 May;64(2):171-82.

Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, School of Food Bioscienes, University of Reading, Whiteknights, UK. S.Tricon@reading.ac.uk

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term for a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid. CLA has received considerable attention as a result of animal experiments that report anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherogenic and anti-diabetic properties, and modulation of body composition and immune function. Several studies of CLA supplementation in human subjects have now been published, but in contrast to animal studies there has been marked variation between reports on the health-related outcomes. The consensus from seventeen published studies in human subjects is that CLA does not affect body weight or body composition. Some detrimental effects of the trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomer have also been reported in terms of altered blood lipid composition and impaired insulin sensitivity. Finally, CLA has only limited effects on immune functions in man. However, there have been reports of some interesting isomer-specific effects of CLA on the blood lipid profile, but not on immune function. These isomer-specific effects need further investigation. Until more is known, CLA supplementation in man should be considered with caution.

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The only CLA study done on resistance-trained subjects failed to show any effect:

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during resistance training on body composition, bone density, strength, and selected hematological markers.

Kreider RB, Ferreira MP, Greenwood M, Wilson M, Almada AL. J Strength Cond Res. 2002 Aug;16(3):325-34.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are essential fatty acids that have been reported in animal studies to decrease catabolism, promote fat loss, increase bone density, enhance immunity, and serve as an antiatherogenic and anticarcinogenic agent. For this reason, CLA has been marketed as a supplement to promote weight loss and general health. CLA has also been heavily marketed to resistance-trained athletes as a supplement that may help lessen catabolism, decrease body fat, and promote greater gains in strength and muscle mass during training. Although basic research is promising, few studies have examined whether CLA supplementation during training enhances training adaptations and/or affects markers of health. This study evaluated whether CLA supplementation during resistance training affects body composition, strength, and/or general markers of catabolism and immunity. In a double-blind and randomized manner, 23 experienced, resistance-trained subjects were matched according to body mass and training volume and randomly assigned to supplement their diet with 9 g;pdd(-1) of an olive oil placebo or 6 g;pdd(-1) of CLA with 3 g;pdd(-1) of fatty acids for 28 days. Prior to and following supplementation, fasting blood samples, total body mass, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) determined body composition, and isotonic bench press and leg press 1 repetition maximums (1RMs) were determined. Results revealed that although some statistical trends were observed with moderate to large effect sizes, CLA supplementation did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) changes in total body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass, percent body fat, bone mass, strength, serum substrates, or general markers of catabolism and immunity during training. These findings indicate that CLA does not appear to possess significant ergogenic value for experienced resistance-trained athletes.

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CLA has adversely affected markers of cardiovascular health, without significantly affecting bodycomp:

Treatment with dietary trans10cis12 conjugated linoleic acid causes isomer-specific insulin resistance in obese men with the metabolic syndrome.

Diabetes Care. 2002 Sep;25(9):1516-21. Ris?rus U, Arner P, Brismar K, Vessby B.

OBJECTIVE: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of dietary fatty acids with antiobesity and antidiabetic effects in some animals. The trans10cis12 (t10c12) CLA isomer seems to cause these effects, including improved insulin sensitivity. Whether such isomer-specific effects occur in humans is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether t10c12 CLA or a commercial CLA mixture could improve insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, or body composition in obese men with signs of the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, abdominally obese men (n = 60) were treated with 3.4 g/day CLA (isomer mixture), purified t10c12 CLA, or placebo. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, serum hormones, lipids, and anthropometry were assessed before and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Baseline metabolic status was similar between groups. Unexpectedly, t10c12 CLA increased insulin resistance (19%; P < 0.01) and glycemia (4%; P < 0.001) and reduced HDL cholesterol (-4%; P < 0.01) compared with placebo, whereas body fat, sagittal abdominal diameter, and weight decreased versus baseline, but the difference was not significantly different from placebo. The CLA mixture did not change glucose metabolism, body composition, or weight compared with placebo but lowered HDL cholesterol.(-2%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal important isomer-specific metabolic actions of CLA in abdominally obese humans. A CLA-induced insulin resistance has previously been described only in lipodystrophic mice. Considering the use of CLA-supplements among obese individuals, it is important to clarify the clinical consequences of these results, but they also provide physiological insights into the role of specific dietary fatty acids as modulators of insulin resistance in humans.

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More on CLA's adverse effects on cardiovascular health parameters, again, without improving bodycomp:

Effects of cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on insulin sensitivity, lipid peroxidation, and proinflammatory markers in obese men.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;80(2):279-83. Ris?rus U, Vessby B, Arnl?v J, Basu S.

BACKGROUND: We recently showed that trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) causes insulin resistance in obese men. However, metabolic effects of the c9,t11 CLA isomer are still unknown in obese men. Because c9,t11 CLA is the predominant CLA isomer in foods and is included in dietary weight-loss products, it is important to conduct randomized controlled studies that use c9,t11 CLA preparations. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of c9,t11 CLA supplementation on insulin sensitivity, body composition, and lipid peroxidation in a group at high risk for cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 25 abdominally obese men received 3 g c9,t11 CLA/d or placebo (olive oil). Before and after 3 mo of supplementation, we assessed insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp), lipid metabolism, body composition, and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (a major F(2)-isoprostane) and 15-keto-dihydro-prostaglandin F(2alpha), markers of in vivo oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. RESULTS: All subjects completed the study. Compared with placebo, c9,t11 CLA decreased insulin sensitivity by 15% (P < 0.05) and increased 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) and 15-keto-dihydro-prostaglandin F(2alpha) excretion by 50% (P < 0.01) and 15% (P < 0.05), respectively. The decreased insulin sensitivity was independent of changes in serum lipids, glycemia, body mass index, and body fat but was abolished after adjustment for changes in 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) concentrations. There were no differences between groups in body composition. CONCLUSIONS: A CLA preparation containing the purified c9,t11 CLA isomer increased insulin resistance and lipid peroxidation compared with placebo in obese men. Because c9,t11 CLA occurs in commercial supplements as well as in the diet, the present results should be confirmed in larger studies that also include women.

[omarvidro5]

how about you don't respond if you have nothing to say that can help the person asking the question. why would you even look at this thread? You're a loser!

What really works is a solid diet & workout routine.

[rhadam]

how about you don't respond if you have nothing to say that can help the person asking the question. why would you even look at this thread? You're a loser!

no u are

[Bryancap77]

how about you don't respond if you have nothing to say that can help the person asking the question. why would you even look at this thread? You're a loser!

Says the guy whose only post is this ^^

[jamesantap]

CLA does work! i love it! def helped me lean out and get my abs back. Luckily i found a good one thats all natural and works. it includes a proprietary fat conversion formula combined with clinically proven* CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) to help you access your stored fat, achieve greater endurance, reduce body fat, increase muscle tone, and keep fat off. if anyone is interested email me at jamesantap@hotmail.com

[jamesantap]

Hi i am wondering from the people who have used CLA if it truly worked for you? Can you tell me exactly what it did for you? From what i understand is it helps metabolise your body to burn fat and build lean muscle at the same time. Did it really do this for the users? Also would you suggest i keep using bcaa at the same time as this or is that a waste?

CLA does work! i love it! def helped me lean out and get my abs back. Luckily i found a good one thats all natural and works. it includes a proprietary fat conversion formula combined with clinically proven* CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) to help you access your stored fat, achieve greater endurance, reduce body fat, increase muscle tone, and keep fat off. if anyone is interested email me at jamesantap@hotmail.com

[VCUT3]

Adding to argument

[UncleWade]

CLA doesn't work, I don't care what the miracle bros say.

I've seen data that shows it negatively affects insulin sensitivity in the long term as well.

No thanks, Jeff.

[Jakeylee]

I've tried it and I say no. I believe the evidence says no as well.

^^^Also is jamesantap a spambot?

[haiz69]

CLA doesn't work, I don't care what the miracle bros say.

I've seen data that shows it negatively affects insulin sensitivity in the long term as well.

No thanks, Jeff.

Co-Treatment with DHA has shown to prevent this.

I don't believe CLA is a mircale at all, but the studies posted above from Alan are cherry-picked. There are at least as many that show weight loss. The difference in isomer mixes used, length of the studies, and measurements used have played a huge role in the mixed trials on CLA. If you look at the trials with an equal mix of the two main isomers, like Tonalin CLA, then the effects are pretty positive. Add DHA on top of that and you get even more positive studies. Dosing needs to be HIGH: 6-12 grams depending on size. Most do not do this and no studies have to date that I know of. CLA also takes time to work and 99% of people cannot judge accurately what is happening with their body.

~~~I am not a massive fan of CLA, but it isn't worthless. There are many many things I can think of that I find more effective, but to say it isn't effective isn't necessarily true. It just isn't used effectively and cost precludes most from doing it.

[icedemon]

I've been following this of taking Fish Oil (take it anyway) along with Sesamin and CLA
forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=1389221
I even take CLA that has some guana with it in the morning. Rather it's truely helping me or not, I do not know. I think it is, but thinking and actually knowing are two different things. Like others have said, it's hard to tell if it's just the diet or if CLA is truely helping.

[babayer140]

Like with most products some will work for some while not working for others. Then others will find something that works for them that wouldn't have worked for the first group. I have used CLA in the past with no other supplement or protein powder or amino acid intake and lost 40lbs after plateauing. After being injured I'm starting over with my body sculpting. Now with a combo of protein powder, amino acids, and CLA I'm losing on average 4 to 5 lbs a week. All ill say is try it and see. Good luck!

[kissdadookie]

CLA has only been studied on being effective with overweight individuals. It has not been shown to be effective (as of yet) to work on healthy and fit individuals.

[kissdadookie]

Like with most products some will work for some while not working for others. Then others will find something that works for them that wouldn't have worked for the first group. I have used CLA in the past with no other supplement or protein powder or amino acid intake and lost 40lbs after plateauing. After being injured I'm starting over with my body sculpting. Now with a combo of protein powder, amino acids, and CLA I'm losing on average 4 to 5 lbs a week. All ill say is try it and see. Good luck!

That's more to do with caloric restrictions through diet rather than the CLA working. If you actually tracked what you ate for a few weeks you would come to realize this.

[wheels30]

I only used it for a few weeks so I cant really comment on the effectiveness. It would give me terrible burps.

In all reality even if it did help the benefit of it in the larger picture of dieting - eating in a caloric deficit/cardio would be so small.

Save your money.

[JohnnyFresh64]

I do not believe it works. A lady at GNC tried to sell it to me, she tried to say "its great for keeping lean muscle and its just as good as the other products"thats when I knew she was trying to scam me lol

[momotl]

I tried CLA (3-4 grams per day) for 2 months and didn't see any changes. So don't think it works. Also, tried L-Carnitine and that doesn't appear to work either. Best is to eat right and workout 3-4 times each week.

[jpfresh94]

I thank you for resurrection. ^^

-____-

[BIGLANK]

No, iv taken several different brands at 4 g a day for months with absolutely no results. Complete crap supplement. Srs

[Minibecks]

Ok look, i have used CLA core by MP and it helped me losing weight it didnt burn the fat, so it helps increasing ur metabolism levels in which it will burn every fat u consume daily but it wont burn the fat u already have, thats wat it did to me and of course u will lose muscles. u will also need to follow a hard diet.... i would recommend animal cuts if u are looking for definition

[Differentstring]

Does work

You need to find one if proper quality and quantity as it varies greatly from brand to brand just like used car tales.
Sooner or later you do find
A good one.

I am sure Rexall brand works. I didn't use it much as I have to wait for sales but when I did, I could feel
It doing something and, I lost five pounds in a month without dieting much but exercising a lot.
I just bought a less effective brand and exercise the same. It works very little unless I take a lot of it like 4 a day.

The reason people can't tell if its the cla or not is because its so natural
And right you don't know it's working as opposed to something that isn't right.
You'll always know when something isn't right but hardly ever when it is right because...it's right.

Like a rotten rainy day compared to a nice day.

Just thinking... I believe cla was so good that long ago it was removed from milk by the industry because they can't have you healthy on just one food can they?

That would be bad business but now, because there is a huge market for cla, it will be profoundly present soon as many try to cash in so, back to milk eh?

[BenjaminT]

Hi i am wondering from the people who have used CLA if it truly worked for you? Can you tell me exactly what it did for you? From what i understand is it helps metabolise your body to burn fat and build lean muscle at the same time. Did it really do this for the users? Also would you suggest i keep using bcaa at the same time as this or is that a waste?

CLA works, but the effect is very small, maybe you will lose 100 - 200 grams of fat over a 1-2 month period. No need to take CLA unless you do everything else correct (diet, HIIT, weight training,etc), but I believe you know that already. BCAA is awesome, always take it.

[Pythonix]

I don't believe it is worth your money, even tho its cheap it just makes it a small waste of money.