The rising prevalence of obesity, coupled with the increased incidence of obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is poised to have a momentous effect on healthcare spending, costing some states upwards of $15 billion per year.

The dietary supplement market is flush with products claiming to assist with weight loss but Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is one popular weight management ingredient with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status that has steadily resonated with consumers—so much so that the market for CLA is projected to exceed $199 million by 2017, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. of San Jose, CA. 

“Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A Global Strategic Business Report” stated that the CLA market is perceived to be “a panacea for several modern-day ills,” driven primarily by the rising incidence of obesity among adults/children and consumer demand for safe and effective weight reduction solutions.
 
CLA, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, has been on the dietary supplement radar for more than three decades. Over the last few years it has gained considerable ground as an effective weight management ingredient. Until a few years ago, CLA was largely used as a dietary supplement, but with the increasing demand for fortified food products, CLA has enjoyed usage as a functional ingredient in the food and beverage industry. The report stated that the recent spurt in interest should be credited to a large body of clinical evidence pointing to CLA’s weight control properties.
 
In addition to being a primary weight loss solution, CLA is also credited with other medical benefits such as “cancer fighting properties, muscle strengthening, improved metabolic functioning and blood sugar regulation,” among others.
 
Beyond the human healthcare segment, CLA has also witnessed heightened usage in the animal feed industry, primarily for enhancing the quality of meat and dairy products and protection of animals against diseases.
 
Interest in CLA for weight management has been a “global phenomenon,” as obesity rates are on the rise not only in the high income western countries, but also in developing countries. The U.S. and Europe represent the leading markets for CLA, collectively accounting for a majority share of the global market. “With more than half the population (65%) in the U.S. regarded as overweight, it is no surprise that the region is fuelling the maximum demand for CLA in the present scenario,” the report noted.
 
While CLA has a stronghold in the European market, its usage in food products relies solely on the “Novel Food” approval issued by regulatory authorities in the region. In addition, lack of sufficient scientific backing for the health claims, poor consumer awareness, unnecessary hype, low turnaround time and consumer skepticism are few of the potential hazards challenging CLA’s widespread acceptance in other global markets.
 
The Asia-Pacific market presently accounts for a minor share of the global market, but the report stated it is expected to display potential for rapid growth and development due to “increasing adoption of western lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits and rising number of overweight individuals, which pose potential health risks and can be a burden to the country’s exchequer.” The CLA market in Asia-Pacific is projected to witness fast track growth at a sturdy CAGR of more than 18% through 2017.
 
The commercially available CLA, sold as an ingredient, is primarily sourced from natural safflower/sunflower oil. The report stated the “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.
 
Global Industry Analysts considers the market for CLA “robustly positioned as a niche ingredient in the dietary supplements market,” though still in a “nascent stage of development,” especially as it relates to the end-use areas of functional foods and animal feed. Improved R&D initiatives, a favorable regulatory environment and effective product promotion will also spur growth in the CLA market, particularly in the weight management segment, the market research firm concluded.