Pure Nutrition - CLA 800 mg - 80 softgels

Pure Nutrition CLA is a stimulant-free thermogenic that provides 800 mg of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in every softgel. CLA is the term used to refer the family of isomers of linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid. 

CLA is found in small amounts in meat and dairy products and it’s suggested that supplementing with CLA in modest doses can help increase thermogenesis (i.e. metabolic rate) and promote fat loss in active individuals. CLA may also provide a variety of health and longevity benefits by enhancing insulin sensitivity and supporting the gut microbiome.

Best of all, Pure Nutrition CLA softgels pair well with virtually any pre-workout or thermogenic supplement for a synergistic effect since this supplement is free from stimulants and doesn’t interfere with the absorption of other ingredients. 

CLA is a unique type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that comes in both cis and trans forms. The most common isomers of CLA are cis-9, trans-11-CLA and trans-10, cis-12-CLAm which also appear to be the most beneficial.

Clinical studies in humans have shown that supplementing with 2-3 grams of CLA per day helps reduce fat mass, even in well-trained athletes who are already exceptionally lean.1 It’s hypothesized that CLA increases fat loss by blocking the actions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) - an enzyme that is necessary for the body to store fat. Thus, inhibiting LPL prevents fat storage and encourages fat to be burned for energy. Some research has even shown that active individuals who supplemented with CLA increased their lean body mass without changing their exercise regimen or diet.2

The mechanisms that CLA works through to increase metabolic rate are still under investigation, but some evidence suggests that CLA enhances the expression of genes that produce uncoupling proteins (UCPs).3 UCPs are normally found in mitochondria and help increase thermogenesis - the process of burning calories to produce heat. Therefore, CLA may act at the genetic level to help the body burn more energy throughout the day.

CLA may further benefits by enhancing insulin sensitivity, thereby promoting glucose uptake and healthy blood sugar balance.4 

CLA is also well-tolerated and has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status through the U.S. Food an Drug Administration (FDA). 

We recommend starting with 2-3 softgels of Pure Nutrition CLA taken on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before a meal. You may increase to 4 softgels per day for quicker results. Note that some people may experience flatulence the first few days after using CLA and this is normal since CLA can modulate the gut microbiome.  This effect usually subsides once your body acclimates to the higher amount of CLA. 

 

References: 

1.  Thom, E., Wadstein, J., & Gudmundsen, O. (2001). Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans. Journal of International Medical Research, 29(5), 392-396.

2.  Gaullier, J. M., Halse, J., Høye, K., Kristiansen, K., Fagertun, H., Vik, H., & Gudmundsen, O. (2004). Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation for 1 y reduces body fat mass in healthy overweight humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 79(6), 1118-1125.

3.  Ryder, J. W., Portocarrero, C. P., Song, X. M., Cui, L., Yu, M., Combatsiaris, T., ... & Zierath, J. R. (2001). Isomer-specific antidiabetic properties of conjugated linoleic acid: improved glucose tolerance, skeletal muscle insulin action, and UCP-2 gene expression. Diabetes, 50(5), 1149-1157.

4.  Houseknecht, K. L., Heuvel, J. P. V., Moya-Camarena, S. Y., Portocarrero, C. P., Peck, L. W., Nickel, K. P., & Belury, M. A. (1998). Dietary conjugated linoleic acid normalizes impaired glucose tolerance in the Zucker diabetic fattyfa/farat. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 244(3), 678-682.