Researchers at VU University in Amsterdam, Netherlands have just concluded a study of trans fatty acids that suggests CLA, a popular weight loss supplement, should be classified with other “trans fats” with regard to health warnings. CLA is widely sold in the U.S. Sports nutrition market, and is specifically exempt from FDA labeling requirements for trans fats, which are believed to be linked to heart disease and certain metabolic disorders. This latest study suggests that not only should we consider CLA a trans fat for labeling purposes, but it may be equally (or even more) prone to disruptions of HDL/LDL cholesterol to other known “bad” trans fats.

— William Llewellyn