According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may have long-term health benefits by preventing common weight and fat gain attributable to overeating and aging.

The study findings showed that participants taking CLA supplements did reduce body fat by 2.2 pounds and their body weight by 1.3 pounds. In comparison, those in the placebo group gained 1.5 pounds of body fat and 2.4 pounds of body weight during the test period.

According to Prof. Dale Schoeller, Ph.D. of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a principal author of the study:

...recognized that "small, often cumulative weight gains during the holiday season contribute to 'weight creep' during adulthood." He sought to determine if CLA would help overweight adults reduce body fat and prevent weight gain during a six-month period that included the holiday season.

"These findings suggest that CLA may serve a critical role in reducing the cumulative weight and fat gain that occurs with age," Schoeller said.

"About 65 percent of the U.S. population is obese or overweight -- that's a dangerous trend on many levels. We need more research like this to help overweight individuals when they are susceptible to weight gain."

CLA is naturally occurring fatty acid found in dairy and meat from ruminant animals. But since these days cattle are increasingly grain-fed, instead of grass-fed, and due to changes in consumer dietary habits, it became very difficult to obtain an optimal level of CLA without supplementation.

In previous studies, CLA have been shown to decrease body fat mass, maintain lean body mass, and aid weight management-reducing the "yo yo" effect often associated with diet plans.

In this particular study, the CLA was Tonalin® CLA -- an exclusive product from Cognis Group derived from natural safflower oil and is the most clinically tested CLA on the market.

CLA is known to the amount of fat normally stored after meals, thereby helping the body break down and use fat. Supplementation with CLA is found most effective as part of a daily regimen that includes exercise and a reasonable diet.

Source: PR Newswire