CLA

Here’s a breakdown of the information about Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), organized for clarity:

What is CLA?

• A type of fat found primarily in dairy and beef.
• Supplements are often made from safflower oil.
• The average diet provides 15-174 mg of CLA daily.

Potential Uses and Effectiveness:

• Possibly Effective For:
  • High Blood Pressure: CLA, when combined with ramipril, may help lower blood pressure more effectively than ramipril alone. CLA alone does not appear to be effective for this.
    I don’t think you have to worry about this Addison
  • Obesity: CLA may help reduce body fat in adults and children and might decrease feelings of hunger. However, it doesn’t consistently reduce overall body weight or BMI.
• Possibly Ineffective For:
  • Common Cold: Does not prevent or reduce cold symptoms.
  • Diabetes: Does not improve blood sugar or insulin levels in type 2 diabetes.
  • High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): Does not improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• Insufficient Reliable Evidence For: Other potential uses, but more research is needed.

Side Effects & Safety:

• Generally Safe: Likely safe in amounts found in food (dairy, beef).
• Possibly Safe (Medicinal Amounts): When taken as a supplement, it’s possibly safe, but can cause
• I never got any of these Addison
• side effects:
  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Special Precautions & Warnings:

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safe in food amounts. Avoid larger supplemental doses due to insufficient safety data.
• Children: Safe in food amounts. Possibly safe in supplement form for up to 7 months, but long-term safety is unknown.
• Bleeding Disorders: CLA supplements might slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising/bleeding. Avoid use.
• Diabetes: Concerns exist that CLA supplements could worsen diabetes. Avoid use.
• Metabolic Syndrome: CLA supplements might increase the risk of developing diabetes. Use cautiously.
• Surgery: CLA supplements might increase bleeding risk. Stop use at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions:

• Moderate Interactions (Be Cautious):
  • Antihypertensive Drugs (Medications for High Blood Pressure): CLA can lower blood pressure. Combining with these medications might cause blood pressure to drop too low. Monitor blood pressure closely.
  • Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs (Medications that Slow Blood Clotting): CLA might slow blood clotting. Combining with these medications could increase bruising/bleeding risk.
  • Ramipril (Altace): Specifically mentioned; taking CLA with ramipril can lower blood pressure more than ramipril alone. This could lead to excessively low blood pressure. Monitor closely.

Dosing:

• Dietary Intake: 15-174 mg daily from foods like dairy and beef.
• Supplement Doses: Adults have commonly used 1.6-6.8 grams daily by mouth for 2-12 weeks.
• Important: Consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for a specific condition.

Key Takeaways:

• CLA shows some promise for reducing body fat and, in combination with ramipril, for managing high blood pressure.
• It’s likely not effective for several other conditions, including diabetes and high cholesterol.
• There are significant safety concerns for people with bleeding disorders, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and those undergoing surgery.
• Interactions with blood pressure and blood-thinning medications require careful monitoring.
• Always consult a doctor before taking CLA supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.