Claimed Health Benefits of Tonalin CLA
Tonalin
® CLA contains
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Although CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in dairy and meat products of cows, sheep, and various other animals,
Tonalin CLA is made synthetically from safflower oil by converting linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid. Although Tonalin CLA is a trans fat (a type that is usually a "bad" fat), it may have beneficial effects. The product shows promise in helping people lose body fat and may be useful for cancer prevention.
Studies have suggested that a high dietary intake of CLA may decrease the risk of
colorectal cancer and perhaps even
breast cancer. However, it is not known if taking supplements such as Tonalin CLA is as beneficial as obtaining it through the diet.
Tonalin CLA and Fat Reduction
With obesity on the rise
(see Obesity Statistics), many people are searching for "quick fixes" to help with weight loss. Although the
ideal weight loss plans focus on gradual loss by healthy eating and increased exercise
(see How to Lose Weight), many people have difficulty following such plans, or feel they need extra assistance in their efforts. Before turning to drastic measures such as
weight loss surgery, many people consider using
weight loss pills, especially if they have unsuccessfully tried to control their
obesity and exercise and diet have been ineffective.
There is some thought that people who are dieting may be especially prone to consuming a diet that is low in CLA, which is found in dairy and meat. Although more research is necessary, it is thought that a lack of CLA may send signals to the body to store fat. However, it is important to note that there is some evidence that one isomer of CLA may make the body more resistant to
insulin and may, therefore, increase the risk of
diabetes, especially in people with "central obesity" (weight gain around the midsection).
In addition, this isomer of CLA may lower
HDL cholesterol ("
good cholesterol") and may increase inflammatory proteins, both of which are especially undesirable in people with obesity. Because Tonalin CLA contains a mixture of this and another isomer, it is not clear if it also has these risks.
It is important to note that while studies generally suggest that CLA may be beneficial for losing weight and increasing muscle, it does not generally help people lose weight.
