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Pregnancy along with the new lifestyle that women take on after childbirth can add on extra pounds that are difficult to lose, and many mothers are looking at all their options for how to get themselves back to their pre-pregnancy weight. One suggestion - CLA tablets taken as a dietary supplement. CLA has become the new popular supplement for individuals looking to lose weight, and our article will provide some information about this supplement, the research behind it, and who may benefit from it. We will then examine one product that seems to stand out as a top pick for mommies who wish to start taking CLA tablets.

What is CLA?

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CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is found naturally in meat and dairy products. When served as a dietary supplement, it is often derived from Safflower oil. It has earned a reputation for being something of a miracle pill for losing weight, for research has shown that individuals who take this supplement do indeed lose weight even without changing their lifestyle or dietary habits. In addition, CLA claims to help individuals retain lean muscle mass and control type 2 diabetes. 

Does CLA Really Help You Lose Weight?

WebMD.com provides information about a study on CLA that appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, led by researcher Jean-Michel Gaullier. This study yielded significant evidence that taking a CLA supplement does result in weight loss, even for individuals that did not increase exercise or decrease calorie intake while on the supplement. In the study, 180 volunteers either took CLA as a pill (4.5 grams of 80% CLA daily), as a syrup (3.6 grams of 76% CLA daily), or took a placebo pill filled with olive oil. The volunteers were not required to change their lifestyle habits, but they had a nurse available to offer advice about nutrition and exercise. Overall, the entire group of volunteers did decrease their calorie intake slightly, but there was no difference between any of the three test groups in terms of this minor dietary change. The duration of taking the supplement or placebo was twelve months, following which the researchers reported the following findings: the group that took the pill lost about 4 pounds and had a 7% body fat loss, the group that took the syrup lost about 4 pounds and had a 9% body fat loss, while the placebo group did not lose any weight and had no body fat loss. Also, both groups that took the CLA supplement had improvements in muscle mass.

How Fast Does It Work?

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While the study mentioned above tested individuals who did not make improvements in their diet or increase their exercise, when we looked at consumer reviews available online we found that many people reported losing more weight, perhaps around 5-10 lbs per month, and several people seemed to report that following a period of two to three months they were back to their ideal weight. We might assume that these individuals also worked to reduce their calorie intake, to eat healthy foods, and to exercise properly - all of which is extremely important for anyone who is serious about losing weight. However, it certainly seems the case that CLA will boost anyone's dieting goals, and any mother who is looking to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight should certainly consider taking this supplement.

Is it Safe for Everyone?

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It is not entirely clear at this time by what mechanism CLA helps the body to lose weight and improve muscle mass. Thus, it is advised that pregnant and lactating mothers do not take the supplement. There also may be some risks involved for individuals who are extremely overweight as taking CLA may result in an increased chance of developing diabetes. Thus, as with all dietary supplements, it is advisable to check with a doctor before beginning to take CLA.

What to Look For In A CLA Supplement?

As a dietary supplement, there are two options on the market today for CLA. CLA can come as a capsule or as a syrup. The syrup has a pleasant flavor that can be mixed into food, while the capsule form is to be swallowed. The head researcher in the study mentioned above cautions individuals to make sure that the product they buy contains at least 80% CLA in order to be effective. This is important because many of the products on the market today contain less than this concentration level and so should be avoided. In addition, it is advisable to select a product that provides a 2,000mg serving per day.

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In addition, it is important to find a supplement that conforms to industry standards of purity and safety such as FDA and GMP certification. The supplement should not contain added fillers or binders, which are unnecessary ingredients that are often added to supplements. It also should be free of preservatives or additives. Finally, making sure the supplement comes from a trustworthy company with a solid money-back guarantee and plenty of positive customer reviews is also recommended.

Which Product Is Recommended?

Our pick for a CLA supplement for individuals looking to lose weight is CLA MD. Our review of this CLA MD has determined that it meets all of the criteria mentioned above. It is a capsule form of CLA. It contains an impressive 85% CLA and provides a 2,000mg daily serving. It is free of fillers, binders, preservatives and additives. The manufacturer adheres to the strict standards of purity and safety in its laboratories as mentioned above, and the CLA is derived from 100% pure Safflower oil.

Our Final Thoughts on CLA MD Review

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Furthermore, the manufacturer offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, a security in case you are not satisfied with the product. In conclusion, for mommies looking to shed some extra pounds and slip back into those pre-pregnancy clothes, and who are interested in making a CLA daily supplement part of their weight loss program, it is highly recommended to choose a quality supplement such as CLA MD to help meet one's fitness goals.

Researched and written by experts, brought to you by our team at Mommy Authority.

Shana Henson is a writer and blogger based in New York. She has contributed her work and research in many fields regarding general well being, fitness and nutrition. Shana studied Nutrition and Psychology and has a masters in writing. She now writes for MommyAuthority on all topics regarding motherhood.