Used by many athletes to burn fat, CLA oil is an ally for weight loss. Nutrimuscle explains everything there is to know about CLA oil.
What is CLA Oil?
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are natural fatty acids (Omega 6) from the family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have multiple properties. They are used in bodybuilding, particularly by bodybuilders for the purpose of drying out.
There are several forms of conjugated linoleic acids, including:
- the isometric form 9cis,11trans-CLA, mainly anti-inflammatory
- the 10trans, 12cis-CLA form, involved in many catabolic processes such as lipolysis and fat oxidation.
Where does CLA come from?
CLA is not present in the body and must be provided by an exogenous source. In food, it is present in beef and dairy products. Indeed, CLA is digested by grazing animals: green plants that contain linoleic acid are then converted into conjugated linoleic acid thanks to an enzyme present in their digestive system. CLA is then stored in muscle tissue but is also present in the milk of cattle.
Why supplement with CLA?
Although vegans are most likely to be deficient in CLA, the general population is at risk of deficiencies. In fact, CLA is becoming less and less present in the diet as cattle are fed more oats and barley rather than pasture.
CLA oil in the form of a food supplement provides the body with the daily requirements, i.e. a minimum of 3g. By consuming meat and dairy products, the absorbed doses of CLA do not exceed 0.5g per day.
The benefits of CLA oil
CLA has many benefits, including weight loss.
It reduces excess localized fat. CLA oil inhibits the enzyme Stearoly-CoA which converts saturated fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are the main constituents of the substrate for fat deposition in adipose tissue and between organs. By increasing lipase activity, fats are used as an energy source by muscle cells instead of being stored.
Additionally, CLA increases apoptosis, or cell death, of preadipocytes and adipocytes.
This fat burning is not without effect on cellulite. Indeed, cellulite is a local accumulation of fat that results in a modification of adipose tissue. A study conducted on mice demonstrated that CLA supplementation increased the total activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase in adipose tissue. The effects of CLA would be partly due to a reduction in fat deposition as well as to the phenomena of lipolysis and oxidation in adipocytes.
CLA Oil for Bodybuilding
CLA oil is used for weight loss and cutting, as mentioned above. However, CLA may also have other benefits for bodybuilding. According to a meta-analysis of 42 studies, it appears that CLA may have anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory properties.
Side effects of CLA
The minimum recommended dose of CLA is 3g to see effects. It is not recommended to exceed the dose of 5g. Side effects may occur in case of overdose and result in nausea, vomiting, or digestive discomfort. These symptoms do not occur as long as the recommended daily dose is respected.