Question: How beneficial is conjugated linoleic acid? Does any research support its claims of reduced body fat?

Answer: All the studies to date that have been done on Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) showing improvements in body composition were done on mice or rats. Bill Phillips hyped CLA in Muscle Media magazine and in his Sports Supplement review. However, even Mr. Phillips was quick to point out that the data wasn't conclusive. Phillips said, "CLA isn't yet 'tried and true,' so it didn't make my top ten supplements list. The animal data is compelling. It has been postulated from these studies that CLA may be a growth factor for at least some species. Whether or not this translates to humans at this point is somewhat up in the air."

In my opinion, the best essential fatty acid (EFA) product is "Udo's Choice" which is an oil blend containing flaxseed, sunflower oil, sesame oil, MCT's, evening primrose oil (12.6 mg GLA), rice germ, bran oil, soy lecithin, natural vitamin E, oat germ, and bran oil. Udo's Choice is better suited for long term use than pure flaxseed oil because of its more balanced ratios of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. (2 to 1 ratio respectively). I would suggest taking 1 tablespoon per 100 lbs. of lean body weight per day to provide you with your EFA requirements.

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