The report on CLA supplements is the first in a series by ConsumerLab.com covering supplements used for weight loss and slimming. Reports on supplements containing chromium, green tea, 7-keto DHEA, and caffeine will be published online in early February.
The safflower-derived CLA in supplements is an equal mixture of two isomers and has been shown to slightly decrease body fat, causing slimming, although overall weight does not decrease. However, a clinical study of one of the isomers alone was shown to cause a pre-diabetic state in some people. It is, therefore, advisable that people with diabetes, or at risk for it, be cautious with CLA supplements.
Six supplements were selected by ConsumerLab.com and four others are included in the report for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Also listed is one product similar to one that passed but sold under a different brand name.
Brands included in report are Action Labs, Bally Total Fitness, GNC, Iron-Tek, Natrol, Nature’s Sunshine, Progressive Labs, Puritan’s Pride, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Vitamin World. The Review provides information on how to choose and use these supplements, clinical information about what CLA can and can not do, and what to look for on labels to be sure you are getting the amount of CLA that you expect.