What Is Tonalin?
Tonalin is a brand name nutritional supplement that aids in weight loss. The active ingredient in Tonalin is conjugated linoleic acid, often abbreviated as CLA. Although Tonalin does seem to offer many potential benefits to those taking it, there are also certain risks and downsides to consider.
Identification
Tonalin is a trade name that was established by the Cognis Group, the supplement's manufacturer. The active ingredient, conjugated linoleic acid, can be found in many other supplements and products. The following does not address those other products; this is only an examination of the product that is branded "Tonalin CLA."
Function
CLA is a type of acid that has two unique natures. It is both a trans and a cis fatty acid. Unlike other trans fatty acids which are bad for you, however, CLA is actually beneficial within the body. The positive effects of CLA on a person's health take two forms. The first is the fact that is acts as a powerful antioxidant. There is also the notable fact that CLA helps those who take it to speed potential weight loss significantly. Because CLA is the main ingredient of Tonalin, all of these effects are induced by taking it.
History
Tonalin does not have a very well established history and there is a lot of research about CLA yet to be done. Because of the infancy of scientific knowledge about the effects of Tonalin and CLA on human beings, many medical practitioners are reluctant to recommend it to their patients. This is due to the fact that the long term effects of constant supplementary intake of CLA cannot be accurately predicted. Despite this fact, many people freely take Tonalin and preach its benefits.
Misconceptions
Some tout Tonalin as a sort of wonder weight loss drug, but this simply isn't true. Just as with any other type of diet pill or diet aid, Tonalin will only work properly when integrated effectively with an appropriate dietary plan and regular exercise. It is a common misconception that CLA will help those who take it to lose weight regardless of their lifestyles. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Even with the aid of Tonalin, calories that are burned and consumed are still the primary factor in weight loss.
Expert Insight
It is believed that the main way in which CLA helps to speed weight loss is its inhibition of certain enzymes that break down fat. Its mechanism of action in this regard functions almost identically to the weight loss drug Orlistat. Orlistat is the active ingredient in the prescription weight loss pill Xenical and the over-the-counter version of it, alli. The CLA found in Tonalin may have similar side effects to those drugs when an extremely high-fat diet is consumed; effects include diarrhea and oily discharge. Therefore, those taking Tonalin are advised to eat a low fat diet to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Tags: weight loss, active ingredient, fact that, conjugated linoleic, conjugated linoleic acid, fatty acid