Diet Tonalin CLA Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) 1,000 mg Tonalin CLA is a fatty acid derived from safflower oil. Tonalins potential benefits are cited in U.S. Patent 5,554,646, which states that CLA plays a role in reducing body fat and increasing body protein (muscle) in animals. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to confirm its effects in humans. For best results, take this product in conjunction with the enclosed Maximum Metabolism Weight Loss Plan. Tonalin CLA May Help Reduce Body Fat Dramatic new research has identified a fatty acid that may positively influence body composition. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), found mainly in meat and dairy products, used to be abundant in our diets. But with the trend to lower fat diets, our CLA intake also is declining. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin may have found an explanation for this paradox. Their studies suggest CLA may be an important nutrient for optimal body composition, possibly helping to reduce body fat and increase muscle. Aware consumers are unlikely to go back to the unhealthy, meat-laden diets of the past. But today CLA is available from pure sunflower oil. CLA is a term referring to a group of derivatives of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. CLA, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, is found naturally in certain foods, especially meat and dairy products. CLA has been known for more than 18 years, but studies of its relationship to body composition are more recent. Studies now suggest that CLA may positively influence our bodies efficiency in using food, and have a beneficial effect on the balance between fat and muscle in our bodies. Clinical trials are now underway to explore the mechanism by which CLA works, and to determine whether the results of these laboratory and animal tests are also applicable to humans. CLA Additional Benefits CLA may have a number of other benefits for our bodily systems. In fact, the University of Wisconsin researchers first discovered CLAs role in influencing body composition as a result of research they were carrying out on CLAs other properties. Among other important functions, CLA may be beneficial for our cardiovascular system due to its role in helping maintain normal cholesterol levels. CLA: Insufficient in Todays Diet CLA used to be abundant in our diets. Today, however, Americans are eating less beef and full-fat dairy products. This translates to lower levels of CLA in our diets. CLA content is also much lower than it used to be in beef. Researchers believe this may be related to changes in the way cattle are fed. The green grass eaten by grazing cows is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid. Cows have a unique digestive system that converts linoleic acid to CLA - a close chemical relative of linoleic acid. The CLA is then stored in the cows tissues. It is possible that, since cattle today are predominantly fed oats, barley and hay rather than grazing on grass, they are no longer producing as much CLA. Tonalin CLA - A Plant-Based Alternative Now, with Source Naturals Diet Tonalin CLA, you can derive the benefits of CLA without consuming large amounts of animal fat. TONALIN CLA is manufactured by a proprietary process from sunflower oil. Source Naturals Diet Tonalin CLA is available in 1000 mg softgels, consisting of 600 mg of CLA standardized to contain 40% cis-9-trans-11-octadecadienoic acid, one of CLAs most important constituents. Three softgels - the suggested daily use - provide approximately the same amount of CLA as eating five pounds of beef, or 45 one-ounce slices of processed American cheese, or almost a gallon of ice cream every day!