Home Ingredients Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)
Weight ManagementMetabolic Health

Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)

Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Clarinol® is a branded conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid derived from safflower oil and standardized to the two active isomers (c9,t11 and t10,c12). Made by Stepan Lipid Nutrition, CLA is studied as a body-composition aid that may modestly reduce body fat while preserving lean mass, with effects that are real but generally small.

Studied Dose 3 to 4 grams per day of CLA isomers.
Active Compound Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a roughly equal mix of the c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers from safflower oil.

Benefits

Body fat and composition

Meta-analyses of CLA trials show a modest reduction in body fat mass over weeks to months, with the t10,c12 isomer driving most of the fat-mass effect.

Supported by Trial 1

Lean-mass preservation

CLA is studied for supporting lean body mass during fat loss, which is part of its appeal as a body-recomposition ingredient.

Supported by Trial 1

Metabolic markers

Some trials report effects on lipid and metabolic markers, though results are mixed and the overall effect on body weight is small.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Lipid metabolism shift

The t10,c12 isomer reduces the activity of enzymes that store fat and may increase fat oxidation, lowering fat accumulation in fat cells.

2

Energy partitioning

CLA appears to nudge how the body partitions energy, favoring lean tissue over fat storage, although effect sizes are modest.

Clinical trials

1
CLA Supplementation and Body Composition — Meta-Analysis
PubMed

Systematic review and meta-analysis of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on cardiovascular and body-composition outcomes. (Esmaeilnejad et al. 2024, British Journal of Nutrition)

Pooled adult trials.

CLA produced a modest reduction in body fat across trials, confirming a small but measurable body-composition effect; impact on body weight overall was limited.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are the most common.
Mild stomach upset, nausea, or loose stools can occur, especially at higher doses.
Splitting the dose with meals improves tolerance.

Important Drug interactions

Blood thinners — theoretical additive effect; monitor.
Diabetes medication — CLA may affect insulin sensitivity; watch blood sugar.
Tell your doctor if you have metabolic syndrome or take lipid medication.

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Frequently asked questions about Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)

What is Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)?

Clarinol® is a branded conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid derived from safflower oil and standardized to the two active isomers (c9,t11 and t10,c12).

What is the recommended dosage of Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)?

The clinically studied dose for Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) is 3 to 4 grams per day of CLA isomers.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) used for?

Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) is studied for body fat and composition, lean-mass preservation, metabolic markers. Meta-analyses of CLA trials show a modest reduction in body fat mass over weeks to months, with the t10,c12 isomer driving most of the fat-mass effect.

Are there side effects from taking Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are the most common. Mild stomach upset, nausea, or loose stools can occur, especially at higher doses. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) safe to take?

Whether Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED — digestive symptoms are the most common. It may also interact with certain medications. Clarinol® (Conjugated Linoleic Acid — Stepan Lipid Nutrition) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Esmaeilnejad M, Rasaei N, Goudarzi K, et al. The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2024;132(7):919-934..PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis showing modest body-fat reduction.