Conjugated Linoleic Acid

What is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

Conjugated linoleic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in dairy and certain meat products. It is normally prescribed to people with thyroid problems though those without the problem can still use it.

Conjugated linoleic acid increases metabolic rate. This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism. It can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.

It also decreases abdominal fat. Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.

Conjugated linoleic acid enhances muscle growth. Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management. It also lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.

Other benefits of Conjugated linoleic acid include:

• Lowers insulin resistance -Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
• Reduces food-induced allergic reactions -- Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients. 
• Enhances immune system - Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.
  

Side Effects and Warnings of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Conjugated linoleic acid that is obtained through the diet is unlikely to cause significant side effects. However, conjugated linoleic acid supplements may cause side effects, some of which may be serious.

There are a number of side effects with conjugated linoleic acid that you should report to your healthcare provider and which may indicate that you should stop taking conjugated linoleic acid. These include, but are not limited to:
 

• High blood sugar as some forms of conjugated linoleic acid may make your body more resistant to insulin
• High C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory protein that can be a sign of problems 
• Low HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") levels 
• Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page