BMI
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Side Effects

Conjugated linoleic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in dairy and certain meat products. In these forms, conjugated linoleic acid does not usually cause significant side effects. However, it may cause side effects (such as diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn) when it is taken in the form of a supplement. There are also some potentially serious conjugated linoleic acid side effects that should be reported to a healthcare provider, such as signs of an allergic reaction.

 

Does Conjugated Linoleic Acid Cause Side Effects?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid that is found in dairy products and certain meats. Conjugated linoleic acid that is obtained through the diet is unlikely to cause significant side effects. However, conjugated linoleic acid supplements may cause side effects, some of which may be serious. There are different forms (known as isomers) of conjugated linoleic acid, and man-made conjugated linoleic acid usually has more of the isomer that seems to be responsible for some of the negative effects of the product (compared to naturally occurring conjugated linoleic acid found in dairy and meat).
 

Serious Conjugated Linoleic Acid Side Effects

There are a number of side effects with conjugated linoleic acid that you should report to your healthcare provider and which may indicate that you should stop taking conjugated linoleic acid. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), as some forms of conjugated linoleic acid may make your body more resistant to insulin
  • High C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory protein that can be a sign of problems
  • Low HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") levels
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
     
(Conjugated Linoleic Acid Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;