CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
Metabolic Health · Fatty acid
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) as C (5.1/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, low benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Early enthusiasm has faded.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 3-6 g/day — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Early enthusiasm has faded. Modest fat loss (~0.5-1 kg over 12+ weeks) at best. Some studies show worsened insulin sensitivity and increased oxidative stress. The average fat-loss effect is modest and no longevity benefit has been established.
Mechanism
Isomers of linoleic acid; proposed modulation of PPAR-γ, SCD-1, lipoprotein lipase; inhibition of adipocyte lipogenesis
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
3-6 g/day
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low, producing an overall grade of C (5.1/10). Early enthusiasm has faded.
- What safety findings are reported for CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)?
- CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (insulin resistance and fatty liver signals at high doses) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)?
- 3-6 g/day This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) work?
- Isomers of linoleic acid; proposed modulation of PPAR-γ, SCD-1, lipoprotein lipase; inhibition of adipocyte lipogenesis
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.