• Table of Contents

  • Cla as an Anti-Inflammatory Substance for Athletes
  • What is CLA?
  • How Does CLA Work?
  • Benefits for Athletes
  • Real-World Examples
  • Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Data
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Cla as an Anti-Inflammatory Substance for Athletes

Athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit, subjecting themselves to intense physical activity and training. As a result, they are at a higher risk for inflammation and injuries. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can hinder an athlete’s performance and lead to long-term health issues. Therefore, it is crucial for athletes to find effective ways to manage inflammation and promote recovery. One substance that has gained attention in the sports world for its potential anti-inflammatory properties is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).

What is CLA?

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which is essential for the body’s functioning. However, unlike other omega-6 fatty acids, CLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is primarily found in grass-fed beef and dairy products, as well as in supplement form.

How Does CLA Work?

The anti-inflammatory effects of CLA are believed to be due to its ability to modulate the body’s immune response. It has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that play a role in the inflammatory process. Additionally, CLA has been found to increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting a more balanced immune response.

Furthermore, CLA has been shown to activate a specific receptor in the body called PPAR-gamma. This receptor plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and metabolism. By activating PPAR-gamma, CLA can help reduce inflammation and promote fat burning, making it a popular supplement among athletes looking to improve body composition.

Benefits for Athletes

The potential benefits of CLA for athletes are numerous. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery after intense training sessions. This can allow athletes to train more frequently and at a higher intensity, leading to improved performance.

Moreover, CLA has been shown to have a positive impact on body composition. Studies have found that CLA supplementation can lead to a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean muscle mass. This can be especially beneficial for athletes looking to improve their strength and power.

Additionally, CLA has been shown to have a positive effect on bone health. In a study on female athletes, CLA supplementation was found to increase bone mineral density, which is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining overall health.

Real-World Examples

CLA has gained popularity among athletes in various sports, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and endurance sports. Many professional athletes have reported using CLA as part of their supplement regimen to aid in recovery and improve performance.

One example is professional bodybuilder and four-time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler. In an interview, Cutler mentioned that he includes CLA in his supplement stack to help with inflammation and recovery from intense training sessions.

In the world of endurance sports, professional triathlete and Ironman champion, Mirinda Carfrae, has also spoken about the benefits of CLA. In an interview, Carfrae mentioned that she uses CLA to help with recovery and reduce inflammation during her intense training and racing schedule.

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Data

Studies have shown that CLA supplementation can lead to an increase in plasma levels of CLA, indicating its absorption and bioavailability in the body. Additionally, a study on healthy individuals found that CLA supplementation led to a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines, supporting its anti-inflammatory effects.

Furthermore, a study on athletes found that CLA supplementation led to a decrease in muscle damage markers and an increase in muscle strength, indicating its potential for promoting recovery and improving performance.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. John Berardi, a renowned sports nutritionist and co-founder of Precision Nutrition, CLA is a promising supplement for athletes looking to manage inflammation and improve body composition. He states, “CLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can help with body composition by promoting fat loss and muscle gain. It can be a valuable addition to an athlete’s supplement regimen.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, CLA is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory substance that can benefit athletes in various ways. Its ability to modulate the immune response and promote fat burning makes it a valuable supplement for managing inflammation and improving body composition. With its growing popularity and promising research, CLA is a substance that athletes should consider incorporating into their training and recovery routine.

References

Berardi, J. (2019). Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A Research Review. Precision Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.precisionnutrition.com/cla-supplements

Chen, S. C., Lin, Y. H., Huang, H. P., Hsu, W. L., Houng, J. Y., & Huang, C. K. (2012). Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinase enzymes in exercising horses. Journal of Animal Science, 90(12), 4483-4490.

DeLany, J. P., Blohm, F., Truett, A. A., Scimeca, J. A., West, D. B., & Scimeca, T. (1999). Conjugated linoleic acid rapidly reduces body fat content in mice without affecting energy intake. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 276(4), R1172-R1179.

Evans, M., Lin, X., Odle, J., & McIntosh, M. (2002). Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid increases fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Journal of Nutrition, 132(3), 450-455.

Pariza, M. W., Park, Y., & Cook, M. E. (2001). The biologically active isomers of conjugated linoleic acid. Progress in Lipid Research, 40(4), 283-298.

Thom, E., Wadstein, J., & Gudmundsen, O. (2001). Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans. Journal of International Medical Research, 29(5), 392-396.