August 24/San Jose, Cal./PRWEB -- Rising health concerns among consumers and inclination to look good through healthy dietary habits have sparked demand for functional foods and nutritional supplements. One of the most prominent nutritional and dietary supplements gaining impetus globally is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), perceived as a panacea for several modern-day ills. The polyunsaturated fatty acid has been around for more than three decades now, and over the last few years has gained considerable ground as an effective weight management ingredient. Until a few years ago, CLA was largely used as dietary supplement, but with the increasing demand for fortified food products, CLA is finding usage as a functional ingredient in the food & beverage industry. The recent spurt in interest is credited to a large body of clinical evidence pointing to CLA's weight control properties.
CLA is emerging as a potential ingredient in the weight management market worldwide, as obesity rates are on the rise not only in the high income western countries by also in developing countries. In addition to the primary weight loss solution, CLA is also known for other medical benefits such as cancer fighting properties, muscle strengthening, improved metabolic functioning and blood sugar regulation among others. CLA is also witnessing heightened usage in the animal feed industry, primarily for enhancing the quality of meat and dairy products and protection of animals against diseases. The commercially available CLA, sold as an ingredient, is primarily sourced from natural safflower/sunflower oil. This 'natural' characteristic of the ingredient is further expected to appeal to a large number of consumers who are increasingly turning away from artificial or synthetic products.