Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid Known Benefits

According to WebMD, conjugated Linoleic Acid is sometimes used to help prevent colon and rectal cancer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to it. However, there is debate as to whether these Linoleic Acid supplements provide any benefit as opposed to modifying the diet to include more of this fatty acid naturally. Furthermore, claims that it is helpful in warding off breast cancer have never been substantiated.

The medical community has been known to use Linoleic Acid in the treatment of obesity which is brought on by other chronic diseases. This type of obesity is generally treated by modifying the diet and engaging in a daily exercise routine. Despite claims to the contrary, there is no proof that daily Linoleic Acid supplementation aids in bodybuilding or reducing cholesterol.

Linoleic Acid as a Supplement

The most common marketing angle for Linoleic Acid lies in its ability to aid in weight loss. The idea behind it stems from the fact that insufficient amounts can cause the body to store dietary fat rather than using it as an energy source.

With added Linoleic Acid, supplement makers maintain that this product encourages the body to burn dietary fat while leaving body tissues alone. There are enough clinical studies to lend credence to this claim.

Supplement manufacturers also promote Linoleic Acid as having several other benefits. The first of those is its use as an antioxidant. Antioxidants have been clinically proven to reduce the levels of free radicals in the body, thus lowering the risk for some cancers, cell damage that occurs from aging, and other conditions.

Secondly, Linoleic Acid is promoted as being beneficial for increasing metabolism and muscle building. These two claims have not been proven, nor is there sufficient evidence in past studies to suggest it is true.

Linoleic Acid Dosage

The dosage of Linoleic Acid is broken down into two categories: food use and medicinal use. Food use simply refers to the amount of Linoleic Acid you would normally get from the foods you eat. This is typically anywhere from 1.5g to 3g daily. A medicinal dosage can be as high as 7g.

Many of the supplements found online are in the food range, which is to be expected. The medicinal dosage would be reserved for those being treated for obesity or potential cancer issues.

Linoleic Acid Side Effects

Despite the known benefits of Linoleic Acid and other omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, there are some documented side effects associated with using this substance as a daily supplement. Some of the minor side effects when taken in food use dosages include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Taken daily in a medicinal use dosage, these side effects can be significantly more severe.

Experts caution against using Linoleic Acid in any dosage if you are suffering from diabetes or metabolic syndrome. In diabetic patients the use of this substance as a daily supplement could worsen the symptoms of the disease and hasten some of the damage it naturally does.

In patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, use of Linoleic Acid could cause the onset of diabetes. As always, pregnant or nursing women are encouraged to avoid taking Linoleic Acid in addition to their normal diets.

Linoleic Acid Availability

Linoleic Acid is fairly common as both a dedicated supplement and an ingredient in multivitamin formulas and bodybuilding products. Depending on your particular needs, you can find this substance in tablet, capsule, or powder form.

Linoleic Acid is available from dozens of online retailers as well as pharmacies, nutritional supplement stores, and health food stores in your local area. To compare products containing Linoleic Acid, use the supplement finder now!