What is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)?
C.L.A is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in human tissues. Most of the C.L.A in the body is of dietary origin, obtained mainly from dairy and meat products. However, due to modern farming methods, food processing and modern diets (high amounts of convenience foods which can be high in saturated fats and low in PUFA’s); the amount of C.L.A we can obtain from food is reduced.
What does CLA do?
C.L.A can be converted within the body into hormone like substances (prostanoids and leukotrienes); these may regulate blood vessel, lipid (fat) accumulation and immune cell behaviour. C.L.A also may support healthy levels of body fat, whilst maintaining skeletal muscle mass. The action of C.L.A is reliant on zinc, therefore normal levels of zinc are required.
