LA GRANGE, Ill., Aug 15, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A scientific study
published today offers consumers new hope that they can avoid weight and fat
gain during the infamous "food holidays" in November and December, as well as
the gains that come with the normal aging process.
A study in the prestigious International Journal of Obesity suggests that
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid, could have
long-term health benefits by preventing common weight and fat gain attributable
to overeating and aging. These findings are consistent with past scientific
trials of the popular dietary supplement.
Prof. Dale Schoeller, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison and a principal
author of the study published today, recognized that "small, often cumulative
weight gains during the holiday season contribute to 'weight creep' during
adulthood." He sought to determine if CLA would help overweight adults reduce
body fat and prevent weight gain during a six-month period that included the
holiday season.
The dramatic findings showed that participants taking CLA supplements did reduce
body fat by 2.2 pounds and their body weight by 1.3 pounds. In comparison, those
in the placebo group gained 1.5 pounds of body fat and 2.4 pounds of body weight
during the test period.
"These findings suggest that CLA may serve a critical role in reducing the
cumulative weight and fat gain that occurs with age," Schoeller said. "About 65
percent of the U.S. population is obese or overweight -- that's a dangerous
trend on many levels. We need more research like this to help overweight
individuals when they are susceptible to weight gain."
The UW study involved 40 healthy, overweight men and women who took 3.2 grams of
CLA or a placebo daily from August 2004 to March 2005. Participants followed
"healthy lifestyle" advice, were not restricted by a controlled diet, and
participated in moderate physical activity. Researchers conducting the
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study concluded that CLA
supplementation is safe and well-tolerated.
Past studies have found that taking CLA decreases body fat mass, maintains lean
body mass, and aids weight management-reducing the "yo yo" effect often
associated with diet plans. A 12-month study published in late 2005 by the
Journal of Nutrition found that adults taking a CLA supplement lost as much as 9
percent of their body fat. As important, a follow-up 12-month study found that
participants did not regain their body fat.
CLA is naturally found in dairy and meat from ruminant animals. But, because
cattle are increasingly grain-fed, instead of grass-fed, and due to changes in
consumer dietary habits, it's very difficult to obtain an optimal level of CLA
without supplementation. To get three grams of CLA through food alone, an adult
would have to consume more than four gallons of ice cream or 28 quarter-pound
hamburgers every day.
CLA lowers the amount of fat normally stored after meals, helping the body to
break down and use fat. Supplementation with CLA is most effective as part of a
daily regimen that includes exercise and a reasonable diet.
The CLA used in this study was Tonalin(R) CLA, an exclusive product from Cognis
Group. Tonalin(R) CLA, the number-one consumer brand of CLA, is derived from
natural safflower oil and is the most clinically tested CLA on the market.
Tonalin(R) CLA is stimulant-free and is available in health food stores, retail
chains and online.
Christine Peggau, senior marketing manager at Cognis, said, "This latest
science-based study offers a profound new way to begin tackling the obesity
trend. If we can help overweight consumers when they need it most -- during the
food-filled holiday season and as they age -- then this research suggests we
will begin to see life-long benefits."
For more information about Tonalin(R) CLA, visit http://www.tonalin.com.
About Tonalin(R) CLA
Tonalin(R) CLA is the original brand of CLA and is an exclusively licensed
product of Cognis. CLA is a polyunsaturated, conjugated fatty acid. Cognis
produces Tonalin(R) CLA through a proprietary process that converts linoleic
acid from safflowers into CLA, providing the highest quality of CLA available.
Tonalin(R) CLA contains the lowest amount of non-naturally occurring isomers, a
patent-protected attribute offering food and dietary supplement manufacturers
the highest levels of ingredients known to be beneficial.
About Cognis
Cognis (http://www.cognis.com) is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty
chemicals and nutritional ingredients. The company employs about 8,000 people
and operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has
dedicated itself to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural-source
raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and
the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on
products for other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles,
as well as agriculture and mining products. The company holds a 50-percent stake
in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world's leading
manufacturers of oleochemicals. Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised
by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2005, Cognis recorded
sales of 3.18 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest,
income taxes, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) of 356 million
euros.
CONTACT: Sanda Pecina, +1-202-789-2424, specina@akerpartners.com, for Cognis.
SOURCE Cognis
CONTACT: Sanda Pecina, +1-202-789-2424, specina@akerpartners.com, for Cognis
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