Who should not take CLA?

Understanding Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a type of fatty acid found in meat and dairy products, often marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss and muscle gain. While some individuals may benefit from its use, there are specific groups of people who should avoid taking CLA due to potential health risks and side effects.
Who Should Avoid CLA?
1. Individuals with Diabetes or Insulin Resistance:
Research indicates that CLA may negatively affect insulin sensitivity. For those with diabetes or insulin resistance, taking CLA could exacerbate blood sugar control issues, leading to complications in managing their condition. It’s crucial for these individuals to consult healthcare professionals before considering CLA supplementation.
2. Pregnant and Nursing Women:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to avoid supplements that have not been thoroughly studied for safety during these critical periods. The effects of CLA on fetal development and nursing infants are not well understood, making it prudent for this group to steer clear of CLA.
3. People with Gastrointestinal Issues:
CLA can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), may find that CLA exacerbates their symptoms, making it advisable for them to avoid this supplement.
4. Those with Liver Conditions:
There is evidence suggesting that CLA may affect liver function. Individuals with liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease or hepatitis, should be cautious and consult their healthcare provider before using CLA, as it could potentially worsen their condition.
5. Individuals on Certain Medications:
CLA may interact with medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels or cholesterol. People taking such medications should discuss the use of CLA with their healthcare provider to avoid adverse interactions.
Conclusion
While CLA may offer benefits for some, it is essential for certain individuals to exercise caution. Those with diabetes, pregnant or nursing women, individuals with gastrointestinal issues, people with liver conditions, and those on specific medications should avoid CLA unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. As with any supplement, informed decision-making and professional guidance are key to ensuring safety and efficacy.

Does CLA mess with hormones?

The significantly negative effects of CLA were seen on the ovarian production of PGE2 and PGF2α (p<0.01). It seems that CLA may play an effective role in reducing the ovulation rate in mice as CLA adversely affected female reproduction and it had negative effects on systemic and local hormones involved in ovulation.

Does CLA increase inflammation?

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that CLA supplementation increased CRP levels and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Therefore, it seems that CLA can have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42022331110).

What are the side effects of CLA?

When taken by mouth: CLA is likely safe when taken in amounts normally found in foods, such as milk and beef. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. It might cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and headache.

What is the risk of taking CLA?

Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don’t recommend CLA for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause dangerous effects on the liver.

Which supplement is best for weight loss?

7 weight loss supplements

1. Chitosan. Chitosan comes from the exoskeleton of shellfish and is used in medicine to reduce bleeding from wounds.
2. Chromium. Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in your body’s metabolism.
3. Magnesium.
4. Probiotics/synbiotics.
5. Caffeine.
6. Green tea extract.
7. Berberine.

Why is CLA controversial?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a family of fatty acids found in beef, dairy foods, and dietary supplements, reduces adiposity in several animal models of obesity and in some humans. However, the isomer-specific antiobesity mechanisms of action of CLA are unclear, and its use in humans is controversial.

Is CLA hard on the liver?

CLA has been reported to generate fatty liver, which could be a consequence of increased lipogenesis in the liver to compensate for the reduction in fat deposition in adipose tissue [27].

What are the cons of CLA?

Risks. CLA supplements may worsen insulin resistance, or how your body absorbs sugar, in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don’t recommend CLA for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause dangerous effects on the liver.

What medications should not be taken with CLA?

CLA may interact with the following medications:

• Insulin or other diabetes medications. CLA can cause insulin resistance.
• Retinol (vitamin A). CLA can increase retinol levels and, therefore, may intensify side effects if taken together.
• Cholesterol medications.

Does CLA help with belly fat?

[65] showed that CLA (4.2 g/d) supplementation for 4 wk in 14 obese men (BMI: 32 ± 2.7 kg/m2; 39 – 64 yr old) with the metabolic syndrome may decrease abdominal fat, without concomitant effects on overall obesity or other cardiovascular risk factors.