Conjugated Linoleic Acid

As part of the group of linoleic acids which are essential omega 6 fatty acids, this substance can be taken as a supplement as it is thought is may help improve athletic performance for many competitors.

How Does It Aid Performance?

It is commonly believed by sports performers that conjugated linoleic acid can help to promote weight loss, increase muscle mass and also help protect against some cancers and some of the effects of aging.There are many arguments both for and against the health benefits of this substance, but as some athletes believe, anything is worth trying, whatever the cost, both financially and physically.

Sources Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

As a part of a healthy diet, the body can receive adequate supplies of this substance from eating produce such as dairy products and meats. These meats and dairy items are obtained from animals that ruminate and feed from products high in linoleic acid, acid from which the conjugated linoleic acid is derived, as it is seen in the digestive systems of these types of animals.As many athletes have strict diets, it may be hard for them to gain increased levels of this substance by diet alone so there are many products available for use that claim to be a safe supplement.

It is important to always ensure supplements are purchased from a reputable and trusted retailer as some companies that sell exclusively on the internet may not be legitimate companies and the product may contain other products that might be dangerous.Consideration must also be given to the ways in which cattle are farmed and what they are fed. In order for them to have a healthy amount of conjugated linoleic acid, they must consume products such as sunflowers and seeds. Many of the stocks of cattle destined for human consumption are fed diet high in fats and are fed to ensure the quickest rate of maturity and growth.

Is It Safe?

As far as many experts believe, conjugated linoleic acid is safe to use and may benefit more than just athletes. It is not illegal or banned from use by athletes, and many training coaches and dieticians will ensure the performer is consuming a diet high in foods that contain the substance.Other research however, has found that those who use conjugated linoleic acid for rapid weight loss may be at risk of developing diabetes as the fat may be reduced on the body frame, but increased levels of fat are seen in the liver which can cause a resistance to insulin to develop.

As the products that contain natural conjugated linoleic acid can be quite high in fat content such as cream, milk, cheese and red meats, many athletes will opt for a supplemental dose of the substance in order for their diet regimen to remain unchanged.

Conjugated linoleic acid is regarded by most to be a safe method of increasing weight loss and increasing muscle mass. It is gained from animals that have been fed a diet high in linoleic acid which is a fatty acid found in sunflowers and seeds.