CLA May Offer Weight Loss Alternative

KJELLER, Norway--In the December Journal of Nutrition (130, 12:2943-8), researchers found that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may reduce body fat mass. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study, 60 overweight or obese volunteers (having between a 25 to 35 body mass index) were divided into five groups. Each group received a placebo, 1.7 g, 3.4 g, 5.1 g or 6.8 g of CLA per day.

Researchers, led by Henrietta Blankson from the Scandinavian Clinical Research AS, found a significant reduction in body fat for groups taking more than 3.4 g of CLA, although no significant difference was found in lean body mass, body mass index or blood lipids. Eight subjects withdrew from the study after experiencing adverse events. "The most common adverse events observed in the study were what I would characterize as gastrointestinal nuisances, such as diarrhea and constipation," said Dr. Ola Gudmundsen, one of the study's authors. "These were of a mild to moderate intensity, and most subjects [who experienced these side effects] did not drop out of the study."

In related news, PharmaNutrients Inc. announced results from a pre-clinical study citing that its CLA One reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and body fat when used in conjunction with exercise. During a six-week trial, male subjects took 3 g of CLA per day in conjunction with an exercise and diet program. A small increase in lean body mass was noted, and no adverse events were reported.

For an abstract of the Norwegian study, visit www.nutrition.org ; for more about PharmaNutrients, visit www.pharmanutrients.com.