|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Control

CLA: Health Risks

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a fatty acid used to stimulate weight loss. CLA naturally occurs in dairy and meat products and is also available in pill or liquid form. In a study performed by researcher Jean-Michel Gaullier, PhD, with the Scandinavian Clinical Research Group, participants in a study of CLA lost an average of nine percent body fat in a year's time, without changing the way they ate or exercised. However, the study also showed a negative affect on cholesterol levels, the possibility of heart disease and higher white blood cell counts.

  1. Cholesterol

    • In Gaullier's study, the group taking CLA in pill form had minimally higher Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol. According to Americanheart.org, too much LDL in the blood can harden the arteries that flow to the brain and heart by forming plaque on their inner walls. This could cause a stroke or heart attack. The study also showed that the group taking CLA in syrup form had slightly reduced levels of High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol. According to Americanheart.org, low levels of HDL increase the risk of heart disease.

    Heart Disease

    • Aside from high LDL levels and low HDL levels, Gaullier's study reported that both groups on CLA had higher lipoprotein levels, which based on the increased LDL levels, isn't surprising. In an article by Salynn Boyles, at Webmd, based on three studies evaluating lipoprotein, all three studies found that higher lipoprotein levels increased the risk of having a heart attack. Gaullier's study also found that both CLA groups had increased levels of leptin, which according to the article, is considered a sign of heart disease.

    White Blood Cells

    • Gaullier's study also showed that the CLA group's white blood cell count was higher than the control group's. This could cause inflammation in the arteries. According to Americanheart.org, inflammation in the arteries could be another cause of heart disease. Despite the reported risks for heart disease, Gaullier asserts that the levels are "within normal physiological range" and that any changes were not significant. He also suggests that the increase of white blood cells could be a confirmation of other studies done on CLA that have shown it prevents some viral infections.

Weight Control - Related Articles