C.L.A. (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is an essential fatty acid, one of a group of substances which are an indispensable part of a healthy balanced diet, C.L.A being found mainly in beef, veal, turkey, and certain dairy products. C.L.A. is one of the most recent to emerge of a group of substances known as antioxidants. Oxidation, a chemical reaction common to all processes involving decay (biological and non-biological) occurs in the human body as part of the ageing process, and also as part of certain diseases such as cancer. Free radicals (single atoms of roaming oxygen) attach themselves to something useful, rendering it useless or even dangerous. Antioxidants such as C.L.A. are often called FREE RADICAL SCAVENGERS as they attach themselves to free radicals, blocking further damage.There is some evidence to suggest that C.L.A. may have benefits in treating heart disease as well, by lowering serum cholesterol, and in helping the immune system to cope with infectious illnesses. C.L.A. can also help stabilise levels of blood glucose, as well as stimulating growth of new tissue through exercise.For slimmers (under and over 40), not only may C.L.A. help tone your shape by promoting lean muscle growth, it has also been shown to re-balance the levels of fat and muscle, reducing body fat and promoting leaner muscle. C.L.A. works with processes that rapidly break down fat stored in fat cells, allowing them to be used for energy, helping to ensure that dietary fats are being used as energy rather than being laid down as body fat. Bio-CLA increases the metabolic rate by preserving lean body mass, allowing fat to be burned off. Deposition of fat in the arteries increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. This is the hidden fat that you cannot estimate by looking in the mirror or weighing yourself. Bio-CLA may help to reduce this hidden fat. An optimal dose would be 2-4 grams daily, i.e. 4-8 capsules a day, capsules being at 500 mg strength. No ill effects have been reported from taking C.L.A, and C.L.A. can be taken safely with other supplements. To get enough C.L.A. from meat or dairy products, you would need to eat too many calories and too much cholesterol. Bio-CLA can be taken without this problem, and is the best way to take C.L.A. A growing body of evidence exists to support the use of C.L.A. There are no known side effects or contra-indications.