Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of essential fatty acid. Now, before you run for the hills at the word “fat”, you should know that not all fats are bad. An essential fat means that the body needs to have this fat to function properly. The body can produce certain fats on its own, but essential fats have to come through the diet.

In broad terms, there are two main types of essential fats — omega 3 and omega 6. CLA is a subcategory of the omega 6 essential fatty acids — a linoleic polyunsaturated fatty acid.

1. CLA for weight loss and metabolic rate.

Some have theorised that CLA can change body composition and facilitate weight loss by altering the metabolism.

The theory behind how CLA works is that it helps the body break down and burn more fat cells, as well as preventing excess fat storage. What’s seen in reality is that this process seems to happen mainly to the fat cells stored inside muscle tissue.

It’s important to note that fat cells inside the muscle don’t seem to affect body fat levels, as this is determined more by subcutaneous fat (fat between the skin and the muscle.) CLA interacts with this process on a cellular level. 

Most of the benefits of weight loss and changes in metabolism have only been observed in cells (in a test tube) or in animal studies.

These promising results are yet to be seen in most human studies, with weight loss and changes in metabolism being minimal so far.

2. Enhanced muscle growth

More research needs to be carried out to show that CLA positively impacts lean muscle mass in humans. There’s some science showing potential in animal test subjects, though.

3. CLA and immune function

There have been several studies to date that look at what CLA does for the immune system — so far the results have been highly variable.

When looking at how to make a conclusion based on the science available, a good place to start is to look at what the majority of the studies show. Is there a general trend, and if so is it in favour of an effect or not?

The studies on CLA and its effect on the immune system doesn’t seem to show a particularly strong trend as to whether it has a distinct positive effect on the immune system.

About ANS Performance

The ANS Performance brand was born in 2012 with one goal in mind: to create the best performance supplements available. We understand the competitive nature of sports, the need to succeed, to win. That passion fuels us and inspires us every day to research, formulate and create nutritional supplements of the highest quality and efficacy.

As a company formed by athletes with decades of supplement industry experience, we understand what it takes to get your body to perform at the highest level. Whether you are actively competing or a weekend warrior trying to keep fit, ANS Performance creates products to help you get there. We have tapped into the brightest and best scientific minds to develop the ANS Performance line for you. 

Everything action our company takes and every product we develop is based on foundational pillars of:

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Over the years we have evolved to specialize in different segments of performance supplementation, including but not limited to sport performance, ketogenic and vegan lifestyles. Whether your goal is weight loss, fitness or general health - we have a solution for you within our product family. We promise you’ll see results with every product you try, guaranteed.

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We take the utmost care in the selection of our ingredients, their dosages, their quality and efficacy to create unique and innovative products that will help you perform regardless of your goal. 

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Every batch of products manufactured undergoes rigorous third party certified testing to ensure proper identity, purity, potency and gold-standard taste and performance.

ANS Performance is a company owned by athletes and technical professionals, working on the front lines of the science of health, wellness and fitness, creating the products they use themselves!