CLA May Offer Weight Loss Alternative

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 reducebody fat mass. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study, 60 overweight orobese volunteers (having between a 25 to 35 body mass index) were divided intofive groups. Each group received a placebo, 1.7 g, 3.4 g, 5.1 g or 6.8 g of CLAper day.

Researchers, led by Henrietta Blankson from the Scandinavian ClinicalResearch AS, found a significant reduction in body fat for groups taking morethan 3.4 g of CLA, although no significant difference was found in lean bodymass, body mass index or blood lipids. Eight subjects withdrew from the studyafter experiencing adverse events. "The most common adverse events observedin the study were what I would characterize as gastrointestinal nuisances, suchas diarrhea and constipation," said Dr. Ola Gudmundsen, one of the study'sauthors. "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-clinicalstudy citing that its CLA One reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides andbody fat when used in conjunction with exercise. During a six-week trial, malesubjects took 3 g of CLA per day in conjunction with an exercise and dietprogram. A small increase in lean body mass was noted, and no adverse eventswere reported.

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