CLA: What it is, how it works, and what the science shows for fat loss

CLA is one of the most well-known ingredients in supplements promoted for body fat management and body composition improvement. Its name comes from the English term Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which is translated into Greek as conjugated linoleic acid. Although CLA has been studied in numerous clinical trials, the results are not as impressive as often presented in the commercial environment. Some studies record small reductions in fat mass, while others find no substantial benefit. The most recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that CLA can bring about small statistical changes in body weight and body composition. However, these changes are usually not considered clinically significant and cannot be compared with the effect of appropriate diet and systematic exercise.