What is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)?
CLA is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in human tissues. CLA can occur in several chemical variants (known as isomers); Bio-CLA is a dietary supplement containing the two isomers of CLA which are known to be the most biologically active within the human body. CLA is an important component of cell membranes. CLA helps maintain healthy immune function, being a precursor of the hormone-like prostanoids, which have an important role in the immune/inflammatory response. Most CLA in human tissues is of dietary origin, and is obtained mainly from meat and dairy products. CLA levels in food are reduced by modern farming methods and food processing; modern diets with a high fast food content tend to have high levels of potentially harmful saturated fats, and are frequently lacking in beneficial PUFAs. CLA should not be confused with GLA (gamma linolenic acid), another essential PUFA marketed by Pharma-Nord as Bio-Glandin.
What does CLA do?
CLA (together with other PUFAs) is converted within the body into eicosanoids (prostanoids and leukotrienes), hormone-like substances that help maintain healthy cardiovascular and immune function. Since dietary intake is a primary determinant of fatty acids entering eicosonoid-generating pathways, there is a direct link between the balance of specific fats in the diet and the inflammatory response. It is no longer acceptable to recommend replacement of dietary fats high in saturated fatty acids with PUFAs, since a balance between PUFAs (not just the PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratio) is now known to be important for optimal effect within the body. The action of CLA is reliant on zinc, and supplementation with CLA is of no benefit if zinc levels are deficient.
How much CLA should you take?
The generally recommended intake for CLA is 2000mg/day. The intake of large quantities of PUFAs may increase the body’s requirement for antioxidants.
Are there adverse effects from taking CLA?
CLA is generally well tolerated. Animal studies have shown CLA to be non-toxic at a level equivalent to 50gm in a 70 Kg adult human. Pregnant women should consult a physician before taking CLA.
About Pharma-Nord Bio-CLA
Each capsule of Pharma-Nord Bio-CLA contains 500mg of free fatty acids, equivalent to 375mg of CLA. Pharma-Nord recommends 2-4 capsules 1-2 times per day, and that this supplement is also taken with Pharma-Nord Bio-Selenium & Zinc. Bio-CLA is manufactured under Danish pharmaceutical control.
What do you recommend to take with CLA?
Why not try Bio-Chromium? |
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