Can Vegans or Vegetarians Take CLA Diet Pills?

Conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA, contains antioxidants and other components that provide various health benefits, including possible help with weight loss 2. CLA typically derives from animal-based foods such as meat and dairy, but safflower oil and sunflower oil also contain a small amount. Diet pills with CLA, as well as supplements containing this nutrient, may have CLA from any sources. As such, people who follow plant-based or mostly plant-based diets may need to avoid CLA diet pills.

Vegetarians and Vegans

Vegetarians do not eat meat, but some may consume dairy, eggs and foods that contain these products. Other vegetarians may consume fish or chicken but avoid all other flesh foods. Vegans follow a completely plant-based diet and do not consume any product or food that comes from an animal.

Options

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Before vegetarians or vegans purchase a CLA diet pill or supplement they should spend time researching manufacturers and products. Your doctor or pharmacist may have access to additional information that can help you select the appropriate product. Vegetarians may not mind taking CLA derived from dairy products, but vegans will not consume these forms of CLA. Vegans, however, may find CLA pills that stem entirely from plant sources, and these products typically state they do not contain animal products.

Considerations

Talk to your doctor about CLA diet pills, as well as other options for weight loss 3. If you follow a healthy diet, your doctor may recommend simply cutting down on the calories you consume and increasing your physical activity. If you do not have a healthy diet, your doctor may recommend diet changes in addition to, or in place of, diet aids. If you have a diet high in animal-based foods that contain CLA, you and your doctor may determine that consuming more CLA through diet supplements could increase your risk for complications associated with use.

Warnings

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Whether you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or consume animal-based foods, you should not begin using CLA or any other product for weight loss without first consulting your doctor. Although CLA may aid in weight loss, CLA diet pill use may also result in complications, including increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels. If you have diabetes, heart disease or other health conditions your doctor may not recommend CLA use.