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GLA vs. CLA

GLA vs. CLA – What’s the Difference?

With so many different “weight loss” supplements out there it isn’t always easy to determine what you really need and why.

For many people, it can be truly overwhelming. Our team fields lots of questions every day, and one of the most common is the difference between “GLA” and “CLA.” What's the difference between GLA and CLA supplements?

And, with only one letter apart, the confusion is understandable! So, should you take one or both of them? How are they similar and how are they different?

GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and CLA (conjugated linolenic acid) are omega-6 fatty acids which help burn fat, promoting weight loss. Both are good for preventing weight gain after you’ve lost weight, and both help to control appetite. However, they accomplish these goals differently.

GLA

GLA raises your metabolism by making brown fat (adipose tissue) in the body burn calories for energy and to keep your body warm. Usually, brown fat is not as active in overweight people and that’s where GLA comes in. It can help activate brown fat and burn off the ugly “white” fat that accumulates under your skin all over your body. GLA is also a good appetite suppressant since it raises the levels of serotonin so you feel full and eat less. A study at the Welsh National School of Medicine in Cardiff, found that participants lost between 9 to 11 pounds in 6 weeks while taking GLA.

In addition to its “interior” affects, GLA also has exterior benefits! The prostaglandin it produces is an anti-inflammatory and diuretic, and helps the skin maintain tone and stay moisturized so it’s not saggy after and during weight loss.

Our favorite GLA supplement for weight loss is the GLA-90 formula which contains 90 mg of gamma linolenic acid from cold pressed black currant seed oil.

CLA

What is CLA? CLA is especially good at burning visceral fat, the kind hiding in between muscles and organs, and especially helpful for belly fat. Research published in the International Journal of Obesity (August 2001) found that a group of overweight men taking CLA lost mostly belly fat and reduced their waistlines by 1 inch without making any diet or lifestyle changes. In a similar study, women lost mostly belly and thigh fat with CLA and reduced their waistlines by 1.2 inches.

While CLA helps burn fat, it helps gain lean muscles at the same time. A year-long research study performed by the Scandinavian Clinical Research Group found that overweight people lost 9% of their body fat and increased their lean muscle mass by 2% just by taking CLA with no changes in their diet or lifestyle. And, a University of Wisconsin-Madison study concluded that CLA helped to prevent weight gain in people who previously lost weight. When the group gained weight while taking CLA, half of them gained weight back it was lean muscle! How does it work? CLA inhibits an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase which is involved in the storage of fat into fat cells. It keeps little fat cells from getting big, according to Michael Pariza, director of the Food Research Institute who conducted the University of Wisconsin Study.

CLA also helps reduce your appetite, especially when you are not getting enough sleep. It lowers levels of leptin when is raised with sleep deficiency and makes you hungrier.  Another study showed the leptin levels dropped 20-35% in 24 months in those taking CLA.

Available at the study-backed dose of 1000 mg per softgel, our CLA-1000 formula is derived from safflower oil.

So, should you take one or both of these amazing omega-6s? You decide.

I’ve taken both of them for years to help maintain my weight and have a flat stomach at 70! They work!

The post GLA vs. CLA – What’s the Difference? appeared first on Your Health Keys.

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Comments

SAndra RIce - April 17, 2020

If taking Unikey GLA and/or CLA, Omega 6’s, how much and what source of Omega 3’s should be taken to balance the ratio. Perhaps GLA and CLA are only considered good forms of Omega 6’s and only anti-inflammatory so consuming does not upset balance of good to bad. Thanks.

UNI KEY Staff - April 13, 2020

Dela, Advising people on supplements related to medications is beyond the scope of our expertise. If you wish to schedule a consultation with Ann Louise Gittleman here is the link: https://annlouise.com/consultations/

Dela - April 13, 2020

Hello,
If someone is taking 25mg 1 tablet of losartan & same of hydrochlorothiazide, which of your supplements can they use to help them to get off the above. What can the person use alongside the above to address a few pounds without negative reaction? Dr’s advice is to take the above daily without missing a day. She also does not advise to take any supplements except multivitamin. This person is perfect on diet & healthy lifestyle except intensive exercise due to ankle & shoulder injuries, how can you (please Dr. Gittleman), help this person to stop the 2 meds.Thank you.

UNI KEY Staff - October 17, 2019

Hi Mary – You do not want to take large doses of CLA when you have a fatty liver but CLA supplementation has actually been shown to improve liver function in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. You want to stay with an amount of 3000 mg or less per day.

Mary Brisky - October 17, 2019

Is it all right to take CLA with a fatty liver

UNI KEY Staff - July 24, 2019

Hi Cynthia, you can absolutely take the Weight Loss Formula along with CLA and GLA.

Cynthia M - July 24, 2019

I take CLA I will be adding GLA . Can I also add the fat flush weight loss supplement safely to the above?

UNI KEY Staff - July 2, 2019

Hi Lisa – Absolutely! Add CLA-1000 and GLA-90 to your supplement regimen. CLA burns visceral fat (found between the muscles) and is especially helpful to burn belly fat and maintain lean muscle mass. It is completely safe and effective.

Lisa - July 2, 2019

Hello!

As per my naturopath, I take EPA and DHA. However, I cannot take off the belly fat for anything! Even though my thyroid is being managed, my weight is not moving, despite my impeccable diet and exercise routine. Do you think that GLA/CLA would help, or contraindicate what I am already taking?

Thank you

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