CLA supplements play a major role in breaking down fats in the body. This may be why people believe CLA can help with weight loss. CLA supplements lose subcutaneous fat, which is a protective, healthy form of fat, without losing harmful visceral fat. CLA supplements help to reduce food intake, increase fat burning, stimulate fat breakdown and inhibit fat production. It may also improve body composition. .
CLA supplementation during training enhances training adaptations and/or affects markers of health. CLA supplementation did not significantly affect changes in total body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass, percent body fat, bone mass, strength, serum substrates, or general markers of catabolism and immunity during training. CLA has also been heavily marketed to resistance-trained athletes as a supplement that may help lessen catabolism, decrease body fat, and promote greater gains in strength and muscle mass during training