Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) suppliers and sourcing guide
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid with conjugated double bonds. Commercial CLA is made from safflower or sunflower oil by alkaline isomerization, which gives roughly equal amounts of the c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers. It is sold as free fatty acids or re-esterified to triglycerides, typically around 75 to 80% CLA, as an oil for softgels and liquids or as a powder.
- Category
- Oils and fats
- Also known as
- CLA · Conjugated linoleic acid isomers · CLA triglycerides
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of conjugated linoleic acid (cla)
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
CLA triglyceride oil
CLA re-esterified to glycerol, the usual form for softgels and food applications.
CLA free fatty acids
CLA as free fatty acids, with a higher acid value and a different taste.
Powder
Microencapsulated or spray-dried CLA on a carrier for tablets, powders and drink mixes, at a lower CLA content per gram.
Branded CLA
Trademarked CLA ingredients sold with their own specifications and documentation.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- CLA content and isomer distribution
- Total CLA and individual isomers (c9,t11, t10,c12 and others) by GC of methyl esters with a named method.
- Acid value
- Acid value, which separates triglyceride and free fatty acid forms.
- Peroxide and anisidine values
- Peroxide and p-anisidine values, since conjugated fatty acids oxidize readily.
- Trans,trans isomers
- Trans,trans CLA isomers by GC, which rise with harsh processing.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic by ICP-MS.
- Residual solvents
- Residual solvents by headspace GC where solvents are used in processing.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store sealed under nitrogen in a cool, dark place, and use opened containers promptly; CLA oxidizes readily. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with peroxide and anisidine values retested on aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the form (triglyceride, free acid, powder), total CLA and isomer ratio for each lot. Dosing in finished products should use each lot's actual CLA content.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 232, for conjugated linoleic acid isomers notified by Lipid Nutrition B.V. and Cognis GmbH for use in certain specified foods, closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 521, for conjugated linoleic acid isomers notified by INNOBIO Limited, closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's conjugated linoleic acid monograph lists CLA as a synthetic source ingredient for oral products and excludes foods or food-like dosage forms.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-00272) lists conjugated linoleic acid as not novel in food supplements.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking conjugated linoleic acid (cla) suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell conjugated linoleic acid (cla)? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of conjugated linoleic acid (cla) can brands buy?
Common forms include cLA triglyceride oil, cLA free fatty acids, powder and branded CLA. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for conjugated linoleic acid (cla) include?
Expect cLA content and isomer distribution, acid value, peroxide and anisidine values, trans,trans isomers, heavy metals and residual solvents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should conjugated linoleic acid (cla) be stored?
Store sealed under nitrogen in a cool, dark place, and use opened containers promptly; CLA oxidizes readily. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, with peroxide and anisidine values retested on aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of conjugated linoleic acid (cla)?
GRN 232, for conjugated linoleic acid isomers notified by Lipid Nutrition B.V. and Cognis GmbH for use in certain specified foods, closed with FDA having no questions. GRN 521, for conjugated linoleic acid isomers notified by INNOBIO Limited, closed with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's conjugated linoleic acid monograph lists CLA as a synthetic source ingredient for oral products and excludes foods or food-like dosage forms. The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-00272) lists conjugated linoleic acid as not novel in food supplements.
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