To
view a product, click on the category below or select an item from the
appropriate dropdown lists.
Weight
Loss / Fat Burners
Fat Loss Creams / Gels
Creatine Products
Vitamins
/ Minerals
Pre-Workout
Energy Drinks
Post-Workout
Drinks
Protein
Powders
Meal Replacements
Weight
Gainers
Muscle
Builders
Growth
Hormones / HGH
Protein
Bars/ Snacks
L-Glutamine
Nutraceuticals
/ Joint Health
Amino Acids
Misc. Products
Gift
Certificates
Shipping
Information
Return Policy
Tiger Fitness Specials
|
 90
Softgel Supply Retail
Price:
|
Toll Free Order
Line: 1-877-397-3801 CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a naturally occurring nutrient which scientists have discovered exerts a positive effect on protein and fat metabolism.
Questions
and Answers
Is
CLA a supplement I can use when I'm trying to reduce my bodyfat?
Isn't it a fat? What
exactly is CLA? What
exactly does conjugated mean? How
could fat help you build muscle? Other sports nutrition experts believe that fats may not only be essential to muscle growth but may actually promote it. Some support for this theory can be found when observing athletes on extremely low-fat nutritional plans (less than 10% of total calories). Following an increase of certain fats in their nutritional programs, they sometimes gain stength and size. It's possible that these "mystical" effects of fats could be due in part to CLA and other EFA's. What
does CLA do? Now, it's important to realize the body has numerous catabolic hormones; the most well known is cortisol. And, the body has a number of different mechanisms by which it builds up and breaks down protein; it's not just "black or white." It's very complicated stuff, much too complicated to discuss it all here. However, it is possible that CLA has potent anti-catabolic effects, effects that may not be the same as those of anti-catabolic compounds such as HMB and other amino-acid-like compounds. It's also possible that using CLA along with other anti-catabolic supplements might produce a "synergistic" effect that is, by combining CLA with these other supplements, it may produce results that are not just additive [1 + 1 = 2] but synergistic (1 + 1 could = 5). Of course, to answer these questions, more research is needed. So, it's possible CLA may help promote muscle growth by minimizing catabolism. Another possible "mode of action" involves the nitrogen-sparing properties of certain fatty acids in general. It has been scientifically demonstrated that lipid (fat) infusion may influence the composition of cell membranes, thereby affecting essential functions like enzyme activities, transport receptors, and regulatory functions. And, because fitness buffs have typically been taught that too much fat is bad, it's not unlikely that many may be deficient in essential fatty acids. Particular fats, however, show unique protein-sparing abilities above and beyond their normal functions. This is where the "improved feed efficiency" noted in many CLA experiments might play a part. In other animal experiments, "structured lipids," or artificially made fats with which CLA shares many traits, have resulted in higher albumin concentration and nitrogen retention (both associated with increased muscle growth). One experiment showed that certain fats related to CLA produced a significant increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates. CLA, it seems, may very well possess unique protein-sparing abilities. Another theory as to how CLA might work relates to Dr. Barry Sears' (author of The Zone) discoveries of eicosanoids. Dr. Sears has long maintained that the proper consumption of fats can lead to the production of "good" eicosanoids, which are the cellular hormones that mediate production of all other hormones, including testosterone and growth hormone. Although borage oil (which includes gamma linoleic acid, not conjugated linoleic acid) and flaxseed oil (which includes plain linoleic acid) have their place, taking too much may lead to the production of arachidonic acid, which, according to Dr. Sears, can shut down the production of good eicosanoids. CLA, on the other hand, does not convert to arachidonic acid. In fact, one study reported reduced arachidonic-acid levels in skeletal muscle of animals given CLA. Have
there been any studies done on CLA? Does
CLA cause any side effects? ls. Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is to be used as a dietary supplement only - it is not to be taken to prevent, treat or cure any illness or disease. Before beginning any exercise, weight loss or supplement program, consult your health care practitioner. Users with any pre-existing medical condition should consult with a physician before using.
|