5 Best CLA Supplements For Weight Loss 2024
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- Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN, Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
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GNC Total Lean CLA
- Helps improve body composition
- Gluten-free
- Ideal for vegans
RSP CLA
- Keto-friendly
- No stimulant
- Gluten-free
Sports Research Plant-Based CLA 1250
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Gelatin-free
A conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplement is a common weight loss supplement you can buy when you want to lose weight. The best CLA supplement enables the body to use the fat reserves as energy and helps build muscles.
Best CLA Supplements For Weight Loss On The Market In (April. 2024)
- GNC Total Lean CLA – Best Gluten-Free
- RSP CLA – Best Fat Burner
- Sports Research Plant-Based CLA 1250 – Best for Vegans
- Evlution Nutrition CLA 1000 – Best Stimulant-free
- NatureWise CLA 1250 – Best Choice
What Are CLA Supplements?
CLA supplements contain a high amount of linoleic acid in them. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in oils like safflower. You can also find smaller amounts of CLA in animal products such as meat and beef.
CLA is available in 28 different forms[1]. All these forms differ in terms of their chemical structure.
Health Benefits Of CLA Supplements
Promote Weight Loss
When you want to lose weight, it’s important to find healthy ways to do so. Taking CLA can come in handy when you want to achieve weight loss.
The best CLA supplements contain conjugated linoleic acid. This is a natural fatty acid found in beef and dairy products.
Research[2] shows that linoleic acid can help you reduce body fat. This is possible as it increases the number of proteins and enzymes your body needs for fat breakdown.
Another study[3] involving 18 adults was conducted to determine the effects of taking CLA supplements. Some took 3.2 grams (g) of CLA per day, while the rest took a placebo. Those taking CLA ended up losing more weight than the ones taking placebo.
Supports Heart Health
High levels of bad cholesterol can impair heart function and lead to cardiovascular disease.
However, evidence shows that CLA can lower plasma[4] triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the body, supporting a healthy heart. In addition, removing trans fats and saturated fats from your diet as you consume CLA supplements is also important for maximum protection.
It’s important to note that while CLA can lower bad cholesterol (LDL), it has also been seen to lower good cholesterol (HDL).
Promotes Muscle Growth
Taking CLA can help you build lean muscle. Linoleic acid encourages muscle growth and also prevents muscle breakdown. Muscle degradation starts as we age, leading to less lean muscle mass.
Luckily proper nutrition, exercise, and a CLA supplement before or during each meal can help with muscle preservation[5]. The best CLA for belly fat also ensures the breakdown of fat and more lean muscle growth.
May Decrease Osteoporosis
Bone health is a huge concern for many people, especially as they age. One issue many folks face is osteoporosis. According to research, you may be able to decrease osteoporosis risk and support strong bones by taking CLA supplements[6] and calcium.
5 Best CLA For Weight Loss Supplements In 2024
GNC Total Lean
GNC Total Lean CLA makes the list of the best CLA supplements for those seeking weight loss. These CLA softgels are affordable CLA supplements and provide maximum benefits.
- Helps improve body composition
- Ideal for vegans
- No artificial colors or flavorings
- Stimulant-free supplement
- Sodium-free, sugar-free, corn-free, gluten-free
- Can cause fatigue
- Can cause nausea
GNC Total Lean is a dietary CLA supplement to promote weight loss and build muscle mass. The best way to build lean muscle mass is to take CLA supplements while exercising regularly.
These CLA supplements start to encourage the body to burn fat as a fuel source[9]. This enhances metabolism while increasing lean muscle mass. Fat loss occurs more efficiently, allowing the body to break down more belly fat.
Each soft gel contains a high amount of conjugated linoleic acid. This source of fatty acids occurs naturally[10] in beef and dairy products, but not everyone eats these foods regularly. The CLA comes from organic safflower oil.
There are 180 capsules per container that you purchase. This gives you 45 servings with 2000 milligrams (mg) of CLA per serving. This dose can boost energy levels and keep you going while working out.
RSP CLA
CLA supplementation is possible when you take RSP CLA softgels. Taking the right CLA dosage may lead to weight loss and improved body composition.
- Keto-friendly
- Gluten-free, stimulant-free
- Quality CLA from natural safflower oil
- Fat burner
- Third-party tested, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified
- Overconsumption leads to diarrhea
RSP CLA is a natural and healthy weight loss supplement that supports muscle growth. You may also n experience less body fat and an increase in energy levels. This is a third-party tested CLA supplement free from stimulants.
The purpose of the best CLA supplements is to improve body composition by helping you to lose weight. The fatty acids present activate the breakdown of fat[11], especially belly fat. This supplement is among the best CLA for women with a low-risk metabolism booster[12].
Each of the CLA softgels contains 1000 mg of CLA per serving. There’s also safflower oil that makes the CLA blend more potent. This GMP-certified supplement is one of the best CLA supplements for weight loss, manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
Besides weight loss and muscle growth, CLA supplements can also work as immune supporters.
The all-natural ingredients can also reduce cholesterol levels[13] and support heart health
Sports Research
These are plant-based CLA supplements made using natural ingredients for maximum benefits. Each CLA supplement contains 80% CLA from non-GMO safflower oil.
- Vegan-friendly
- Gelatin-free, gluten-free
- Clean ingredients
- GMP-certified product
- Non-GMO project verified
- Can cause diarrhea
Eating healthy foods ensures you receive proper nutrition, which can also help you manage your weight. However, adding CLA supplements to a healthy diet may help produce even better results. This product contains conjugated linoleic acid, which has numerous health benefits.
For example, If you want lean muscle, start an exercise routine and take CLA[14]. This product uses healthy ingredients free from stimulants, gluten, and GMOs.
Sports Research Plant-Based CLA supplements have a high potency since each soft gel contains 80% CLA. There are 90 and 180 capsule containers, depending on your preference.
These vegan-certified supplements can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. According to the manufacturer, you should expect to start seeing results in 60 to 90 days. Customer results reported improved energy during workouts and a general sense of well-being.
Evlution CLA
When you take Evlution CLA, you are guaranteed this product is made using high-quality and natural safflower oil. CLA supplementation can be helpful when you want to lose weight and gain lean muscle.
- Stimulant-free supplement
- Healthy metabolic rate support
- Quality CLA per serving
- Pure natural safflower oil
- Boosts energy levels
- Can lead to nausea and vomiting
Evlution CLA 1000 is a dietary supplement you can take when you want to achieve weight loss. This stimulant-free product contains helpful omega-6 linoleic acids that the body can’t produce on its own.
There are 180 servings per container with 1000 mg of CLA blend per serving, intended to help you burn fat for fuel and boost your metabolism. And as more fat is broken down[15] to fuel your body, you may experience more lean muscle growth.
This affordable CLA supplement is therefore ideal for weight management. Combining them with a regular exercise routine can help preserve your muscles. It targets your stored fat and helps break it down during workouts.
Nature Wise CLA 1250
NatureWise CLA supplements are ideal for taking when you want to lose weight. These weight loss supplements are good to take when engaging in physical exercises with the intent of fat burning.
- Non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) safflower oil supplements
- 100% safflower oil
- Gluten-free weight loss supplement
- 80% potency
- Not ideal for pregnant or nursing women
- Can cause an upset stomach
The best CLA supplement is made using 100% high-quality safflower oil. This conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) comes in handy when you engage in physical exercises.
When you exercise, the CLA begins acting on specific enzymes to enhance the metabolism[7] of fatty acids. This means your body fat is being utilized more effectively, helping to provide you with fuel and burning fat in the process. The CLA in safflower oil boosts energy levels and improves endurance during this process.
This premium quality product contains 100% natural, non-GMO safflower oil. The oil comes from certified producers and has an 80% standardized potency.
One bottle contains 180 CLA softgels, each weighing 1250 grams (g). There’s 1000 g of conjugated linoleic acid per CLA supplement.
Natural Wise CLA supplements are for adults only and can help you build lean body mass. Once you start your weight loss journey, active CLA can contribute to healthy weight loss. The fat breakdown[8] that occurs with this supplement leads to the excess calories being used as fuel by your body.
How To Choose The Best CLA Supplements
When choosing the best CLA supplements, you must have a plan. This means coming up with reasons why you want to take CLA. For instance, is your goal to lose weight or maintain your weight?
In addition, as you research how to choose the best CLA, think about your muscle gains. Is the goal to gain more lean muscle, preserve muscle, or both? The good news is that CLA supplements increase fat loss and encourage muscle growth.
In addition, the best CLA supplements have high potency but are stimulant-free. They are also made using natural safflower oil and come in easy-to-consume softgels. Always check for third-party testing and GMP certification before purchasing, ensuring the highest quality and transparency standards.
Finally, when buying CLA supplements, consider your dietary needs. Are you vegan? If so, you want a plant-based product. In addition, look for non-GMO and gluten-free on the label, especially if you are gluten sensitive. All these are traits of quality CLA supplements.
How Much CLA Should I Take Daily?
It’s possible to ingest CLA when you eat a healthy diet. Eating milk and beef[10] regularly can give you about 15 to 170mg of CLA daily.
Another way to get more CLA into your body is taking CLA supplements made using natural safflower oil.
When your goal is to lose weight and encourage muscle growth, the general recommendation is to take anywhere from 1.6 to 6.8 mg[16] of CLA daily. This should go on for 12 weeks for you to start seeing results. A healthy adult can take 3 to 6 mg of CLA daily to lose weight.
The best CLA supplements are stimulant-free and good for both men and women. If you weigh more and want to use CLA supplements, take a minimum of 3.4mg daily. Taking 3.4mg of CLA[16] will ensure you start seeing visible results as your body composition changes.
Since dosage recommendations vary, always speak to your medical doctor about the best dose for you.
Besides fat loss, daily consumption of CLA for six months results in muscle growth and more energy. However, combining CLA supplementation with a good diet and workout routine is the best strategy.
Potential Side Effects
CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in beef and dairy products. It is a form of trans fat that, when consumed in small amounts, isn’t bad for your health. It can have health benefits that keep you going and improve body function. However, these health benefits[16] have not been consistently proven, and more research is needed.
Taking CLA supplements is very different from getting them from food. Instead of getting CLA from whole foods, the linoleic acid in supplements comes from vegetable oils such as safflower oil. These are usually chemically altered to enhance your results.
There’s about 1000 mg of CLA per serving of these dietary supplements. Most manufacturers encourage taking one supplement with each meal you have daily. This means your body gets a high dosage of CLA during the period you consume the supplements.
While CLA is designed to reduce fat in your body, it can lead to more fat accumulation[17] in your liver. This is a step away from issues like diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In addition, you risk having high inflammation because of an increased risk of insulin resistance[18] and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
People can experience other side effects[16] such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There’s even a possibility of suffering from oxidative stress. So always take caution when consuming CLA supplements and consult with a health professional before use.
Final Thought
Choosing some of the best CLA supplements is a great way of boosting linoleic acid levels in your body. This fatty acid encourages the breaking down of fat stored in your body. Whether you have belly fat or excess fat storage throughout your body, linoleic acid ensures the body uses this extra fat as a fuel source.
Manufacturers use natural safflower oil to make CLA supplements for human consumption. While this can be effective in weight loss and lean muscle mass development, take caution. Overconsumption of CLA has led to fatty liver and issues like insulin resistance.
For best results and to ensure your safety, always consult a medical professional before starting a CLA supplement or any supplement.
CLA Supplement FAQs
The best CLA supplements are made using natural, non-GMO safflower oil. Check whether the product has undergone third-party testing and GMP certification from a GMP-licensed facility. Good quality CLA has a clear ingredient list and details the amount of CLA per serving. A good quality CLA supplement will give proper dosage information to guide your daily consumption.
No. L-carnitine and CLA aren’t the same. However, they both work similarly to fat burners[19]. While the two can work separately, combining them for better results is also possible, which may accelerate fat loss.
CLA is good for weight loss. It contains fatty acids that facilitate the breaking down of excess fat stored in the body. Most CLA supplements work as metabolism boosters and encourage the body to use fat as a source of fuel. Combining CLA and exercise is a great way to achieve weight loss.
Yes, persistent consumption of CLA can lead to high testosterone levels in the body. This is good news for men who need high testosterone[20] to have more stamina and endurance during training. However, women need to manage testosterone levels[21] as it can lead to acne, frontal balding and deepening of the voice.
Yes, CLA reduces cholesterol levels[4] in the body. However, it’s important to note that it does so for both bad and good cholesterol. So, CLA supplements aren’t ideal for taking when you want to lower bad LDL cholesterol in the body.
Yes, CLA can reduce belly fat by working to dislodge the excess belly fat on the body. As a result, you may end up with less visceral fat and better body composition.
+ 21 sources
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Written by:
Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
