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Conjugated Linoleic Acid

People who are trying to lose body fat may benefit from using conjugated linoleic acid. This trans fat that is found in dairy and certain meat products may also help to prevent colon cancer. Conjugated linoleic acid works by affecting certain muscle and fat cells, decreasing fat storage and possibly increasing muscle mass. Side effects that have been reported with conjugated linoleic acid include nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.

 

What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a trans fat found in dairy products and meat from certain animals (such as goats, sheep, and cows). Conjugated linoleic acid may be a "healthy fat" and shows promise for helping people lose body fat and for preventing cancer.
 
(Click What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid Used For? for more information on what conjugated linoleic acid is used for.)
 

Side Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Conjugated linoleic acid can cause several side effects, such as:
 
(Click Conjugated Linoleic Acid Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid Safe?

Low doses of conjugated linoleic acid are probably safe, although high doses can cause problems. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking conjugated linoleic acid if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid Safe? for more information, including any available conjugated linoleic acid warnings and precautions.)
 

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Dosing Information

Currently, the best dose of conjugated linoleic acid has not been determined. More research is necessary in order to determine an appropriate dosage.
 
(Click Conjugated Linoleic Acid Dosing for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions With Conjugated Linoleic Acid

It is not known if conjugated linoleic acid interacts with any medications (see Drug Interactions With Conjugated Linoleic Acid).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a conjugated linoleic acid overdose, or even if it is possible to take too much.
 
(Click CLA Overdose for more information.)
 

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual conjugated linoleic acid product for information on how best to store it. Keep conjugated linoleic acid out of the reach of children.
 

How Does Conjugated Linoleic Acid Work?

Some forms of conjugated linoleic acid may affect muscle and fat cells by decreasing fat storage and possibly increasing muscle mass. Additionally, there is some evidence that conjugated linoleic acid may be toxic to cancer cells. However, not all conjugated linoleic acid effects are beneficial; conjugated linoleic acid may possibly increase the risk of diabetes and may increase inflammatory proteins in the body.
 

Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid Effective?

Preliminary evidence suggests that conjugated linoleic acid may be beneficial for decreasing body fat and preventing colon cancer, although it is not clear if taking conjugated linoleic acid supplements provides the same benefits of obtaining conjugated linoleic acid through a healthy and balanced diet (see Does CLA Work? for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;