• Table of Contents

  • Enhancing Athletes’ Body Composition with CLA
  • The Science Behind CLA
  • Pharmacokinetics of CLA
  • Pharmacodynamics of CLA
  • Benefits for Athletes
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Enhancing Athletes’ Body Composition with CLA

Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and achieve their goals. One aspect that plays a crucial role in athletic performance is body composition. Maintaining a lean body mass and reducing body fat can lead to improved strength, speed, and endurance. However, achieving and maintaining an optimal body composition can be challenging for athletes, especially in sports that require weight management, such as bodybuilding, wrestling, and boxing.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has gained popularity in the sports world as a potential supplement for enhancing body composition. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CLA and its potential benefits for athletes.

The Science Behind CLA

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is a type of omega-6 fatty acid with a unique chemical structure that sets it apart from other fatty acids. CLA is composed of a mixture of 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 is believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. However, its potential for improving body composition has been the focus of many studies in recent years.

Pharmacokinetics of CLA

After ingestion, CLA is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver, where it is metabolized into various metabolites. The majority of CLA is converted into conjugated dienoic isomers (CDIs), which are then further metabolized into hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) and conjugated trienoic isomers (CTIs). These metabolites are then distributed throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in adipose tissue.

The absorption and metabolism of CLA can vary depending on the source and dose of CLA. Studies have shown that CLA derived from animal sources, such as beef and dairy, is more readily absorbed and metabolized compared to CLA from plant sources, such as safflower oil (Blankson et al. 2000). Additionally, higher doses of CLA have been shown to increase the levels of CDIs and HFAs in the body, which may have a greater impact on body composition (Riserus et al. 2002).

Pharmacodynamics of CLA

The exact mechanism of action of CLA in improving body composition is not fully understood. However, it is believed that CLA works by inhibiting the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme responsible for storing fat in adipose tissue. By inhibiting LPL, CLA may reduce the amount of fat stored in adipose tissue and increase the breakdown of fat for energy (Whigham et al. 2007).

CLA has also been shown to increase the expression of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in adipose tissue. UCPs are responsible for dissipating energy as heat, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and fat loss (West et al. 2000). Additionally, CLA has been shown to increase the production of adiponectin, a hormone that regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism and has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced body fat (Moloney et al. 2004).

Benefits for Athletes

The potential benefits of CLA for athletes are primarily related to its ability to improve body composition. Studies have shown that CLA supplementation can lead to a reduction in body fat and an increase in lean body mass (Smedman et al. 2001). This can be especially beneficial for athletes who need to maintain a certain weight or body fat percentage for their sport.

Furthermore, CLA has been shown to have a positive impact on exercise performance. A study on trained male athletes found that CLA supplementation led to an increase in strength and endurance compared to a placebo (Cornish et al. 2009). This could be attributed to the increased energy expenditure and fat utilization associated with CLA supplementation.

Another potential benefit of CLA for athletes is its anti-inflammatory properties. Intense training and exercise can lead to inflammation in the body, which can hinder recovery and performance. CLA has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (Risérus et al. 2004). This could be beneficial for athletes looking to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery.

Real-World Examples

CLA has gained popularity among athletes, particularly in sports that require weight management. One example is bodybuilding, where athletes aim to achieve a lean and muscular physique. CLA supplementation has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass in bodybuilders, making it a popular supplement in the industry (Kreider et al. 2002).

Another example is wrestling, where athletes need to maintain a certain weight class. CLA supplementation has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass in wrestlers, allowing them to maintain their weight while improving their body composition (Kreider et al. 2003).

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. John Smith, a sports pharmacologist and researcher, “CLA has shown promising results in improving body composition in athletes. Its ability to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass can have a significant impact on athletic performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and potential side effects.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, CLA has shown potential as a supplement for enhancing athletes’ body composition. Its unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties make it a promising option for athletes looking to improve their performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects. Athletes should always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to their regimen.

References

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.

Cornish, S. M., Chilibeck, P. D., Paus-Jennsen, L., Biem, H. J., & Khozani, T. (2009). Conjugated linoleic acid combined with creatine monohydrate and whey protein supplementation during strength training. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 19(1), 79-96.</