Supplements›Omega-3s & fatty acids

Is CLA safe to take? What to watch out for

CLA is a weight-loss ingredient said to help break down body fat, but its effect tends to be overhyped, and there are a fair number of reports of liver side effects. If your liver is unhealthy or sensitive, avoid it. Even if you're healthy, if you do take it, keep it short and watch for liver warning signs.

Who it’s for

Not recommended. Avoid if you have liver disease or a sensitive liver

Daily dose

Stay within the amount on the label

When

Avoid taking it long term

Best form

Softgel capsules (don't combine with other weight-loss supplements)

Bottom line: you won't lose as much as you hope, and your liver is a concern

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a type of fatty acid (one of the building blocks of fats and oils). Small amounts are found in meat and dairy, and supplements are made from plant oils like safflower oil.

It's thought to help break down fat by switching on an enzyme that releases stored fat from fat cells (hormone-sensitive lipase). That's why it's widely sold as a belly-fat supplement.

But many experts say its real effect on body fat is overhyped. Meanwhile, reports of liver side effects keep coming up.

What you could lose by taking it may outweigh what you gain. If weight loss is your goal, diet and exercise come first.

CLA and liver side effects: how worried should you be?

  • There are real cases of liver damage after taking CLA.
  • Many reports describe liver enzymes suddenly spiking in people taking it for weight loss.
  • The fact that it can strain the liver is fairly clear.

Other weight-loss supplements like garcinia and green tea extract are also known to strain the liver. Stacking several of them can add to that strain, so don't take them together.

If you notice any of these signs while taking it, stop right away and get your liver enzymes checked by a doctor.

  • □ The whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow
  • □ Your urine is dark brown
  • □ You feel tired for no reason and lose your appetite
  • □ You have discomfort in your upper right abdomen

Who should not take CLA

  • People with liver disease or high liver enzymes
  • People with a sensitive liver: if your liver enzymes have gone up after taking a medication or supplement before
  • People on blood thinners: taken with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, the effects can add up. Talk to your doctor first.

Medications and conditions to watch

  • Note Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.) — Effects may add up — talk to your doctor before taking it
  • Caution Liver disease or high liver enzymes — Risk of liver damage — avoid

Combinations

Space apart from: Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract

Frequently asked questions

Does CLA work for weight loss?

It's known to help with fat breakdown, but many experts say its real effect on body fat is overhyped. It can't replace diet and exercise.

Is CLA bad for your liver?

There have been reports of liver enzymes spiking and liver damage after taking it. If your liver is unhealthy or sensitive, avoid it.

Can I take CLA with garcinia?

Both are weight-loss supplements known to strain the liver. Taking them together can add to that strain, so it's best not to combine them.

Can I take CLA with aspirin?

The blood-thinning effects may add up. If you take aspirin or an anticoagulant, talk to your doctor first.

Related concerns

Weight lossLiver health

Last updated 2026-10-12