Clarinol Side Effects

Clarinol is a brand of conjugated linoleic acid -- a substance found in dairy -- marketed for weight control. Clinical data suggests CLA may help reduce body mass if you are obese, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. However, it appears to have little effect in non-obese women and healthy adults, reports MSKCC. Talk to your doctor before taking Clarinol or another CLA supplement. CLA may have adverse side effects.

Increases Inflammation

In human data, CLA supplementation increases levels of prostaglandins, according to a review published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry." Prostaglandins are proteins involved in the inflammation process. Women supplementing 5.5 grams of CLA daily showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a liver protein that indicates inflammation throughout the body. You may need to avoid CLA if you have a condition exacerbated by inflammation.

  • In human data, CLA supplementation increases levels of prostaglandins, according to a review published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry."
  • Women supplementing 5.5 grams of CLA daily showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a liver protein that indicates inflammation throughout the body.

May Disrupt Glucose Balance

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CLA may disrupt blood sugar balance in those with Type 2 diabetes, according to data found in the October 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Researchers found that supplementing 3 grams of CLA daily for eight weeks significantly increased fasting glucose and promoted insulin resistance in adults with Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, CLA may not be safe for you to take.

Other Side Effects

CLA may increase potassium levels, according to the MSKCC. This may cause problems for those on potassium restrictions due to kidney disease. Other adverse side effects reported include minor gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas and nausea, and severe fatigue. These side effects were temporary and disappeared with continued used, according to results of a safety study found in the October 2004 edition of "Food and Chemical Toxicology."

  • CLA may increase potassium levels, according to the MSKCC.
  • These side effects were temporary and disappeared with continued used, according to results of a safety study found in the October 2004 edition of "Food and Chemical Toxicology."

Safety of Congjugated Linoleic Acid

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Long-term supplementation in obese adults who are generally healthy appears to be safe, reports the October 2004 "Food and Chemical Toxicology" study. This double-blind study followed adults taking 6 grams of Clarinol over a one-year period. Liver function, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, blood count and other health markers were assessed. Laboratory results showed no serious adverse effects from taking CLA.

  • Long-term supplementation in obese adults who are generally healthy appears to be safe, reports the October 2004 "Food and Chemical Toxicology" study.
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