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Tonalin Effects

Tonalin is the brand name of the Cognis Group's nutritional supplement containing high quality Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). CLA is commonly found in beef and dairy products and is one of the few beneficial Omega-6 fatty acids. Reportedly, CLA can play a role in preventing certain cancers, helping to control weight and maintaining cholesterol levels. As research continues, the question remains: exactly what are the effects of Tonalin?

  1. The Facts

    • Tonalin is a premier brand among CLA supplements. The CLA comes from safflower oil and acts by slowing lipase (the enzyme that metabolizes dietary fat). When your body breaks down fat, it then stores it. By inhibiting the process, the supplement can effectively reduce the amount of fat that you store (and deposit) in your body (since your body actually will break down less). Along with a healthy dietary plan and regular exercise, Tonalin claims to help reduce body fat, maintain lean muscle, assist your body in more efficient calorie burning and maintaining a leaner appearance.

    Background

    • CLA was first discovered by Dr. Michael Pariza in 1978. Subsequently, more than 600 studies have been completed to help the scientific community gain an understanding of its effects. These studies have yielded results that indicate that CLA effectively increases our bodies' ability to break down fat stored in fat cells, increase metabolism, decrease the number of fat cells in your body and decrease the quantity of fat stored after you eat.

    How It Works

    • Tonalin works in four ways to beneficially affect the body. In adipocytes (fat cells), Tonalin's CLA helps to decrease both the size and number of your fat cells, lowering the amount of body fat that you carry. CLA helps your body store less fat, directly affecting your triglyceride (which are fats) levels. CLA decreases the total number of fat cells in your body by increasing the rate of apoptosis (the process in which your body destroys fat cells). Finally, CLA increases the activity of CPT (carnitine palmitoyltransferase--an enzyme that transports fatty acids to be converted to energy), helping your body burn fat faster.

    Effect on Cancer

    • According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, CLA is also classified as a powerful antioxidant which may help to reduce risk and prevent growth of certain cancer cells. Research is ongoing, but seems to suggest that CLA may potentially play a role in cancer treatment and prevention. Published in World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2003, a study conducted by Liu RH, Yang YM, Gao YH, Chen BQ, Liu JR and Xue YB supports the finding that CLA could prohibit the growth of specific carcinomas.

    Considerations

    • The daily recommendation of CLA intake is 3.4 grams. Beef and dairy products used to be a primary source of the fatty acid; however, our diets (and cows' diets also) have changed, reducing the amounts that we consume through food intake. Before taking this (or any supplement) you should discuss it with your doctor. Some serious side effects have been reported from CLA (not directly from Tonalin) and could include high blood sugar, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels and allergic reaction. While side effects are not common, any side effects that you may experience should be immediately reported to your doctor.

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