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Fat-Fighting Supplement CLA Linked to Liver Damage

March 27, 2017 - Admin

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid found in beef and dairy fats and is also available in higher concentrations in CLA supplements. CLA is a proven fat fighter and is popular with bodybuilders. It reduces body fat by increasing energy expenditure and fat use. A study on rats by Brazilian scientists, led by Camila de Moraes from the Central University Hermínio Ometto in Uniararas, Brazil found that feeding the animals CLA for 21 days triggered mitochondrial uncoupling. This means that energy was lost as heat instead of capturing it as fat. However, the CLA also promoted fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis). CLA is a potent fat fighter, but it may have unacceptable side effects. (Archives of Endocrinology Metabolism, 61:45-53, 2017)