Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Quick Summary
- Category: Amino Acid (site classification — technically a polyunsaturated fatty acid) · Sourcing Origin: China · Form: Powder or oil
- A group of naturally occurring isomers of linoleic acid found in dairy and ruminant meat; commercially produced from safflower or sunflower oil
- Evidence: controlled trials show modest reductions in body fat mass in overweight individuals; effect size is modest (typically ~0.5–1 kg reduction in fat mass over 12 weeks)
- Classified as a polyunsaturated fatty acid — the "amino acid" site categorisation reflects industry convention, not biochemistry
What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)?
CLA refers to a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), where the double bonds are conjugated (alternating) rather than separated by a methylene group. The most biologically studied CLA isomers are cis-9, trans-11 CLA (the predominant natural form in dairy fat, also known as rumenic acid) and trans-10, cis-12 CLA (the isomer primarily responsible for body composition effects in research).
Commercially produced CLA supplements are derived from partial isomerisation of linoleic acid from safflower or sunflower oil, producing a mixture of CLA isomers — typically a 50:50 mixture of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers.
Specification & Form
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder (on inert carrier) or oil; confirm form on order |
| Active isomers | Mixture of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA |
| Sourcing origin | China |
| Pack size | Confirm directly with team |
How It's Sourced
YNP Ingredients sources CLA from certified manufacturers in China, supplied with FSSAI-compliant documentation.
Applications
- Body composition and weight management supplements
- Sports nutrition (lean mass support positioning)
- Functional food fortification (CLA-enriched dairy or meat analogues)
Industries Served
Sports Nutrition · Nutraceuticals/Dietary Supplements
Evidence Note
Multiple controlled trials and meta-analyses have assessed CLA for body composition effects. Blankson et al. (2000) found that 3.4 g/day CLA over 12 weeks significantly reduced body fat mass compared to placebo in overweight and obese adults. A meta-analysis by Whigham et al. (2007) covering 18 trials found that CLA produces a modest but statistically significant reduction in body fat (~0.9 kg over 6 months vs placebo). The effect is modest and most pronounced in overweight individuals; effects in lean athletes are less consistent. Claims should be qualified accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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References
Company Information
- YNP Ingredients, CLA product page, ynpingredients.com (China sourcing, FSSAI documentation)
Industry Information
- Blankson H, Stakkestad JA, Fagertun H, Thom E, Wadstein J, Gudmundsen O. *Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans.* J Nutr. 2000;130(12):2943–2948.
- Whigham LD, Watras AC, Schoeller DA. *Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans.* Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203–1211.