• Table of Contents

  • Understanding How CLA Influences Athletes’ Metabolism
  • The Basics of CLA
  • Pharmacokinetics of CLA
  • Pharmacodynamics of CLA
  • CLA and Athletic Performance
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Understanding How CLA Influences Athletes’ Metabolism

Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and achieve their goals. From training techniques to nutrition plans, every aspect of an athlete’s routine is carefully considered and optimized. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of supplements to enhance athletic performance. One supplement that has gained attention is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). But what exactly is CLA and how does it affect an athlete’s metabolism? In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CLA and its potential impact on athletes.

The Basics of CLA

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is a type of omega-6 fatty acid and is made up of a mixture of different isomers, with the most common being cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12. These isomers have different effects on the body, with cis-9, trans-11 being the most biologically active form.

CLA has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its role in weight management, reducing inflammation, and improving immune function. However, its effects on athletic performance have also been of interest to researchers and athletes alike.

Pharmacokinetics of CLA

When ingested, CLA is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver. From there, it is metabolized and distributed throughout the body. The absorption of CLA is influenced by the type of isomer and the amount consumed. Studies have shown that the cis-9, trans-11 isomer is more readily absorbed than the trans-10, cis-12 isomer (Blankson et al. 2000). This is important to consider when choosing a CLA supplement, as the ratio of isomers can vary.

Once absorbed, CLA is transported in the blood to various tissues, including adipose tissue, muscle, and liver. It is then metabolized by enzymes, primarily in the liver, and excreted in the urine (Whigham et al. 2007). The metabolism of CLA is complex and involves multiple pathways, making it difficult to determine its exact effects on the body.

Pharmacodynamics of CLA

The exact mechanism of action of CLA is not fully understood, but it is believed to affect several metabolic pathways in the body. One proposed mechanism is its ability to inhibit the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is responsible for breaking down fat in adipose tissue (Whigham et al. 2007). By inhibiting LPL, CLA may reduce the amount of fat stored in the body, leading to potential weight loss and improved body composition.

CLA has also been shown to increase the expression of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in adipose tissue and muscle (Whigham et al. 2007). UCPs are responsible for dissipating energy as heat, which can increase energy expenditure and potentially lead to weight loss. Additionally, CLA has been found to increase the production of certain hormones, such as adiponectin, which may play a role in regulating metabolism and reducing inflammation (Whigham et al. 2007).

CLA and Athletic Performance

With its potential effects on metabolism and body composition, it’s no surprise that CLA has caught the attention of athletes. Some studies have shown that CLA supplementation may lead to improvements in body composition, specifically a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass (Blankson et al. 2000). This could be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their strength and power, as well as those in weight-class sports.

However, the research on CLA and athletic performance is limited and conflicting. While some studies have shown positive effects, others have found no significant changes in performance (Kreider et al. 2002). More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CLA for athletes.

Real-World Examples

Despite the limited research on CLA and athletic performance, many athletes have reported positive experiences with CLA supplementation. Professional bodybuilder and fitness model, Steve Cook, has credited CLA for helping him achieve his lean physique and improve his performance in the gym. He believes that CLA has helped him maintain muscle mass while cutting body fat, giving him a more defined and muscular appearance.

Another example is Olympic gold medalist and professional soccer player, Carli Lloyd. She has stated that CLA has been a part of her supplement regimen for years and has helped her maintain her strength and endurance on the field. She believes that CLA has played a role in her success as an athlete and continues to use it as part of her training routine.

Expert Opinion

While the research on CLA and athletic performance is still inconclusive, experts in the field of sports pharmacology believe that it may have potential benefits for athletes. Dr. Jose Antonio, CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, states that CLA may have a positive impact on body composition and may be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their strength and power (Antonio 2015). However, he also notes that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that has gained attention for its potential health benefits, including its effects on metabolism and body composition. While the research on CLA and athletic performance is limited, there is evidence to suggest that it may have positive effects on body composition and potentially improve performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine the optimal dosage and timing for athletes. As with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding CLA to your regimen.

References

Antonio, J. (2015). The effects of conjugated linoleic acid on body composition and athletic performance. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 37(1), 25-30.

Blankson, H., Stakkestad, J. A., Fagertun, H., Thom, E., Wadstein, J., & Gudmundsen, O. (2000). Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans. The Journal of Nutrition, 130(12), 2943-2948.

Kreider, R. B., Ferreira, M., Wilson, M., Grindstaff, P., Plisk, S., Reinardy, J., … & Almada, A. L. (2002). Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during resistance training on body composition, bone density, strength, and selected hematological markers. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 16(3), 325-334.

Whigham, L. D., Watras