CLA

This supplement is causing quite a stir. It is a naturally occurring substance which is involved in the transport of fats from outside the cell, into the interior of the cell. Without enough of this, it is difficult to lose weight, muscles may not metabolize fats for energy properly, and a person may experience more fatigue than usual. Due to its ability to affect metabolism, it is connected with blood sugar control, and preliminary studies have shown that it does help lower high blood sugar levels. Part of this is believed to be due to its ability to reduce fat levels, and thereby reduce insulin resistance.

It is no miracle drug. And it will only help if your levels are low to begin with. If this is not the source of the problem, then it won't prove to be the solution.

I began using this, but after a week or so, it caused migraines - aura and all. This leads me to suspect that it is something that builds up in your system a little, and that maintenance doses may be much lower than recommended for some people. This is my own personal conclusion which is not backed up by research or medical evidence. I am able to tolerate 2000 mg per day of this, but no more.

The recommended dosage is pretty high - 4000 mg per day. It is available in 1000 mg gelcaps, which are large, but easy to take. You can take them in as many doses per day as you are comfortable with, but it is generally believed to work better if broken into at least two doses. Some sources suggest that it works better with food.

I have not used this long enough to know if it will help. I'll be monitoring blood sugar levels, and muscle performance, and weight. I have a disorder of some kind which the doctors do not seem to be able to diagnose, which causes extreme pain with exercise that actually stresses my muscles enough to do any good - it limits my ability to effectively exercise. So I'll be also checking to see whether this supplement results in any reduction in pain during exercise.

I feel that this supplement should not be used unless you can identify symptoms which would suggest that a deficiency exists. It is fairly expensive to use, compared to other supplements, and will cost about $30 per month to get a sufficient amount. This means you'd not want to waste the money if you did not actually need it.

I have not read of any specific negative affects from too much of it, but the studies surrounding it are pretty new as yet, so the jury is still very much out on the safety of it.

Update: After using this in combination with L-Carnatine for about 6 months, I experienced gradual improvement in muscle strength, lower fatigue, and less muscle pain. I ran out of both together, and really noticed the difference after about a week - a significant difference as I felt more tired and my muscles ached more. I began taking them both again, and things improved again. Because I take them together, I cannot tell precisely which, or if both, are responsible for the difference, but they are two things I will not run out of again! I have not been able to measure any difference with blood sugar with them.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.