CLA Supplements for Bodybuilding
Supplements are everywhere – on store shelves, magazines, news, and unfortunately, even in controversies! Supplements are usually a source of nutrients and minerals which we do not regularly consume as a part of our daily meal. This might be protein, vitamins, micro minerals, and more.
On the more unusual side, some supplements help you achieve something faster; it can be gaining muscle mass or losing fat. In this particular topic, we will be reviewing the top CLA Supplements.
CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid is known to help in weight loss. There are a lot of brands selling CLA supplements, but some of them might not be for you. Therefore read this review thoroughly to make the best choice!
Summary of Recommendations
- Best Overall: Sports Research CLA – 1250mg with Active Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Runner-Up: BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine – Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Best Budget Choice: Nature’s Bounty Tonalin Pills and Dietary Supplement
What is CLA?
The supplements are made up of conjugated linoleic acid which is a very important fatty acid found in animal fat and vegetable oils. It has for a while now been associated with body weight loss and accelerated fat reduction.
Asides it’s obvious fatty tissue reduction capabilities, CLA equally contains properties with the capacity to boost immune function.
The “conjugated” prefix indicates the arrangement of double bonds in the fatty acid tissue. It is also related to the poly-unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid.
This means essentially that it is a trans-fat-but the natural kind of trans fat that can only be found in healthy foods.
Basically, CLA is different from industrial trans-fat which scientific studies have proven to have harmful side effects on the human body.
How Does CLA Help You Lose Weight?
Since we now have a vivid understanding of what CLA is and what it can do, let’s take a quick look at how CLA can actually help you reduce body fat.
CLA reduces body fat by increasing its basal metabolic rates. This means essentially that it helps the body convert more food into energy.
According to a study presented to the American Chemical Society by researchers at the Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, CLA does not decrease body weight; rather, it keeps little fat cells from getting bigger.
This simple adjustment has the capacity to alter the body’s fat-to-muscle ratio and create a rather unique balance between the quantity of fat and lean muscle mass contained in the body.
While this alone does not guarantee dramatic weight loss, a well-crafted exercise routine and diet structure coupled with CLA gotten from the CLA bodybuilding supplements, for example, can help you stop fat accumulation at an astonishing rate.
#1 Max Potency CLA 1250 with 95% active Conjugated Linoleic Acid
This product is from Sports Research or SR. It was established back in the year 1980 and is among the best supplement brands out there. The Max Potency CLA 1250 is very dense with the CLA levels; its capsules have around 95% CLA in it. This increases its effectiveness by a lot because more CLA goes into the body.
The CLA is also derived from Safflower oil; this makes it natural, GMO-free, and brings down the chances of any side effects.
The best part about SR is that they use third-party testing for trustworthy quality checks that the consumers can believe. Furthermore, if you don’t like the product for any reason, the company provides a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on first-time purchases.
Pros:
The CLA level is around 95% making each dose highly effective.
The Softgel capsules dissolve quickly, providing instant absorption of the CL acids into the body.
The product contains no Soy or Gluten traces; therefore, you don’t need to worry about allergic reactions.
The company provides you the option to check the third party testing data yourself by using your products batch number. This way, you can be sure of its quality and genuineness.
Cons:
Too much usage might lead to diarrhea.
High CLA means a low dosage, which might need a change in eating habits.
#2 BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine – Conjugated Linoleic Acid
BPI Sports is one of the largest sports and health companies. It primarily deals with gym equipment and supplements.
The company has earned enormous customer support because of its high-quality products. This continues with the BPI Sports CLA supplement. The specialty of this CLA product is that it is a powder, not a capsule. Therefore you can control the exact amount you want to intake.
Moreover, it is available in many flavors like watermelon freeze, snow cone, fruit punch, and more. The powder takes an extra step ahead by adding carnitine.
This increases the body’s metabolism and provides high energy and helps in weight management as well. Also, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if something goes wrong. So you can try it out without any worries.
Furthermore, if you are already taking a fat burner or any other supplement, you need not worry. BPI Sports CLA contains no stimulants. Therefore it will not cause any side effects, no matter how you pair it up.
Pros:
There are many flavors available. Therefore you can enjoy taking it rather than treating it as a curse!
The stimulant-free formula makes the product exceptionally safe for use.
Different sizes and servings available, which lets you customize what you buy.
It helps you lose weight and enhances your metabolism to provide you with a healthier body.
Cons:
Smaller sizes are not available, which might be an inconvenience.
You need to precisely measure the amount of your intake because it’s in a powdered form.
#3 Optimum Nutrition CLA 750mg, Weight Management Support
Optimum Nutrition is one of the world’s leading supplement brands. It is mainly known for its protein products, but it has stepped into the CLA products’ market.
The unique aspect of this product is that it contains a unique type of CLA that can’t be found in CLA supplements from other brands. Clarinol CLA is high in quality and therefore gets absorbed in the body easily (1).
Furthermore, the capsules have a soft texture; consequently, it dissolves quickly, and it is not harsh on the throat when you swallow.
You can get your pack of Optimum Nutrition CLA in a lot of sizes, starting from 60 capsules up to 200. You can easily give it a try by buying the 60 capsule packs.
Pros:
The patented Clarinol CLA is one of a kind and is unique to the brand. You cannot find it in other CLA products.
The product comes in different quantities; therefore, it is easy to buy and recommend for the first time.
The product is in the form of soft gel capsules and therefore provides the exact amount per serving. You don’t need to worry about over-consumption.
The unique CLA helps maintain body fat very effectively.
Cons:
There is no money back or any guarantee that might encourage the consumers to buy the product without worrying.
The patented CLA might not be suitable for some.
All of the products listed here are from some of the best fitness and supplement brands worldwide. You cannot go wrong if you buy any one of them.
Each of the products has its own characteristics; all you need to do is pick the product that suits your needs.
If you don’t like to take pills, for instance, the BPI Sports CLA is your best bet. It comes in the form of a powder and has a wide flavor range. Please pick up the one you like and enjoy it.
On the other hand, if you have no issues with capsules, the other two can be found in soft gels. They are easy to swallow and act quickly, as well.
None of the products are bad, so you do not need to worry about the lack of a guarantee. Do don’t waste any more time and buy your favorite CLA product now!
