What is it used for?
May help to support a modest improvement to body composition when used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity [Source note 2].
May help to support a modest reduction in fat mass when used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity [Source note 3].
Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., May help to support a modest reduction in fat mass and a modest improvement to body composition when used with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity).
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
3 - 5 grams of CLA, per day [Source note 4].
Note: Additional information not to be submitted with the reference-based product documentation (although the quantity of CLA-rich oil may be requested at the source authority's discretion): Approximately 4-6.5 g CLA-rich oil provides 3-5 g CLA.
How is it used?
Optional: Take with food [Source note 5].
How long is it used?
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 6 months [Source note 6].
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are breastfeeding.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are obese or have cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (Tholstrup et al. 2008; Gaullier et al. 2007; Steck et al. 2007; Larsen et al. 2006; Taylor et al. 2006; Gaullier et al. 2005; Smedman et al. 2005; Gaullier et al. 2004; Basu et al. 2000a,b).
Ask a healthcare professional before use if your goal is to achieve weight loss.
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are pregnant [Source note 7].
Do not use if you have cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance (Tholstrup et al. 2008; Gaullier et al. 2007; Steck et al. 2007; Larsen et al. 2006; Taylor et al. 2006; Gaullier et al. 2005; Smedman et al. 2005; Gaullier et al. 2004; Moloney et al. 2004; Basu et al. 2000a,b).
Possible side effects
When using this product you may experience gastrointestinal discomfort/disturbances [Source note 8].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Restrictions when this reference is combined with other references (source review category II and III):
If a body composition/reduction of fat mass claim is made:
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source ingredient(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conjugated linoleic acid |
| Conjugated linoleic acid | Synthetic |
References: Proper name: Pariza 2004; Pariza et al. 2001; Common names: Pariza 2004; Pariza et al. 2001; Source information: FDA 2007; Pariza et al. 2001.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
The CLA-rich oil must comply with the chemical specifications: CLA total ≥ 78%; CLA (c9t11 + t10,c12 isomers) ≥ 74%; CLA c9,t11 isomers ≥ 36%; CLA t10,c12 isomers ≥ 36%; CLA trans, trans ≤ 3% [Source note 9].
The maximum peroxide value derived from CLA-rich oil must be ≤ 1 meq O2/kg and be in accordance with the methods set out by the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) and/or Pharmacopoeial analytical methods. This specification is necessary to ensure the oxidative stability of the CLA.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- January 10, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
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