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About conjugated linoleic acid raw material

Types of conjugated linoleic acid raw material

Suppliers can provide buyers with the following types of raw materials for conjugated linoleic acid.

Corn oil CLA

This oil has non-CLA linoleic acid with an 85% concentration of conjugated linoleic acid. It is derived from corn seeds through a chemical or mechanical extraction process. This fatty acid has several health benefits, which include promoting weight loss and boosting the immune system.

Meat CLA

CLA in meat is a naturally occurring fatty acid in the meat of ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and goats. This chemical has 40% to 100% conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Manufacturers obtain it by simply extracting it from meat. It is a clean-source CLA since it has not undergone any processing.

Sunflower oil CLA

Supplier provide this naturally occurring CLA in oil extracted from sunflower seeds. It has a CLA content of about 1.4% and an omega-6 content of 59%. It is ideal for skin health and for helping buyers manufacture immunity-boosting skincare oils.

Dairy products CLA

Buyers can get CLA in dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt. It is naturally occurring in these products since manufacturers get it from the meat of animals that feed on grass. It can have up to 20% concentration of conjugated linoleic acid. Some farmers also get it from whey protein powder.

Linseed oil CLA

Dors tied to health and exercise with flaxseed oil stand out from those of many other oils. This oil has a CLA content of about 1.5%, but it is more famous for having omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, compared to sunflower-derived CLA.

Safflower oil CLA

Manufacturers extract safflower oil from safflower seeds, then use it to create a high-CLA supplement in a chemical process that increases the oil's conjugated linoleic acid concentration. People who are weight-conscious and looking to improve their overall body composition are especially attracted to this oil because it contains a substantial amount of CLA, typically ranging from 70% to 90%.

How durable conjugated linoleic acid raw material are

The durability of these acids primarily depends on their exposure to certain environmental elements. This includes exposure to air, light, and heat, and their storage conditions. Below are some factors that affect their durability.

Storage conditions

Proper storage of CLA supplements extends their lifespan and prevents them from becoming ineffective. Storing them at ambient temperatures can degrade them and make them lose potency. It is necessary to store them in a cool, dark, and dry environment free of moisture and air exposure.

Oxidation

Oils containing CLA are prone to oxidation. Oxidation affects oils' effectiveness by making them vulnerable to changes in their chemical structure after exposure to air. Oxidation can reduce the oil's fatty acid concentration and even cause harmful substances to develop in it. Using appropriate antioxidants like vitamin E can increase these oils' and oils' shelf lives.

Light exposure

Exposure to light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can adversely affect CLA oils and supplements. It breaks down CLA to its original fatty acids. It can also cause the formation of free radicals in the oil. This can make the oil turn rancid and lose its beneficial properties. Manufacturers often store them in opaque or amber bottles to minimize this effect. This is especially important for safflower and sunflower oils, high-CLA oil.

Buyers should also note that some products containing CLA, like dairy products, have a limited shelf life due to their inherent raw material properties. Storing these products under the right temperature conditions helps increase their durability.

Heat exposure

Heat exposure can lead to the structural degradation of CLA oils. It can also affect the stability of the oil due to the presence of heat-induced free radicals. Heat can cause the conjugated linoleic acid to isomerize. This means it will no longer be in its active form and may lose all potential health benefits. This is why it is essential for people in the oil business to keep products in cool warehouses with stable temperatures.

Commercial value and uses of conjugated linoleic acid raw material

Commercial value

Conjugated linoleic acid is increasingly becoming more famous for its prospective health benefits. As a result of this, there is an expanding global desire for organic health supplements and nutrients along with a resulting growth in the demand for high-CLA oils like safflower and sunflower oil among buyers.

Moreover, CLA oils are high-value components in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and linear low-density polyethylene. Increased awareness regarding the dietary and health benefits of CLA and the demand for sunflower and safflower oils enriched with it have also fueled its commercial value.

Health and skincare oil

Many sellers add conjugated linoleic acid to skincare oils for its skin-firming, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties. They also use it to produce different oil blends. Some companies even use it to create skincare oils with fat-burning properties. They help the skin to burn the accumulated fat in it, making it look slim and shapely.

Dietary supplements and weight management products

Linoleic acid manufacturers commonly derive this acid from linseed and flax oils. This oil is incorporated into capsules and soft gels marketed as weight management and dietary supplements. Users who want to lose weight without much effort, maintain a healthy body composition, and improve their metabolic rate are the typical buyers of these products.

Pharmaceuticals

People in the pharma industry use CLA in various formulations, especially for lipid regulation and anti-inflammatory drugs. People experiencing fat metabolic disorders or looking to build body muscles without excess fat are given drugs containing CLA.

Functional foods

Many health-conscious food manufacturers now add CLA to foods like yogurt, liquid milk, and cheese. Some manufacturers add it to foods like margarine, cooking oils, and spreads. They do this to take advantage of its potential health benefits, like reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, promoting weight management, and improving insulin sensitivity.

Plastics and polymers

Linoleic acid also has industrial applications outside the health and wellness industry. Buyers should be aware that linoleic acid is a common feedstock for producing functional surfactants, liquid crystalline compounds, and surfaces-engineered polymers and plastics.

Farming

Increasingly, CLA oils are being added to animal feed as a source of omega fatty acids. The CLA then gets transferred to dairy and meat products. Some CLA oils, especially safflower oil, are used in wheat farming as a natural pesticide for various insects.

How to choose a reputable supplier of conjugated linoleic acid raw material

Buyers should always consider buying from reputable suppliers for many reasons. The foremost is that reputable suppliers build trust with their customers by consistently delivering quality products.

As a result, they always adhere to safety and quality compliance when manufacturing these oils. They also guarantee customer service when consumers receive subpar products. So, here are recommended practices for buyers when selecting a reputable supplier.

Customer reviews

When prospecting for suppliers, buyers should read reviews from previous customers to gauge the supplier's oil quality and reliability. They should pay special attention to reviews about oil purity, efficacy, and whether the oils conform to safety standards. This firsthand information can help them know if the supplier is trustworthy or not. They should also consider the oil's sustainability to align with environmental values.

Industry experience

Buyers should look for suppliers with proven industrial experience in the oil industry who understand the nuances of producing high-quality CLA oils. These suppliers are more likely to effectively manage oil production processes and ensure quality control. They also likely have built a reputation for reliable delivery and customer service over the years. Therefore, choosing a supplier with oil industry experience gives buyers peace of mind.

Product range

Reputable suppliers offer a variety of conjugated linoleic acid sources like safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, and meat and dairy products. They also provide different concentrations to suit various buyers' requirements. Therefore, they ensure buyers receive suitable products at the supplier's one-stop shop.

Certifications and quality assurance

Buyers should confirm that the supplier's products comply with quality and safety standards. They should ensure the oils are tested for purity and potency by third-party laboratories. Buyers can request certifications such as GMP, GHP, ISO, and COA evidence. Buyers can then be sure that only high-quality oils are produced by the supplier.

Customer service

Buyers should evaluate customer service early in the buyer-supplier engagement process. They should consider the supplier's responsiveness to inquiries regarding product availability and elucidations about spec documents. They should also evaluate the clarity of the supplier's communication regarding shipping, returns, refunds, and fulfillment policies. Good customer service creates a positive purchasing experience.

Q&A

Q1. What are the typical buyers of CLA products like safflower oil and sunflower oil in bulk?

A1: Bulk buyers include manufacturers, who add CLA oils to dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. They also include wholesalers and distributors, who buy in bulk to resell to retailers and other businesses without making retail sales to end users. Other buyers are the skincare industry, producers of cooking oils and spreads, and farms.

Q2. Do all suppliers have the same oils high in CLA like sunflower oil and safflower oil?

A2: No, not all suppliers' oils are of the same quality. While they may all seem to contain high concentrations of CLA, the quality can differ. Consideration of other factors like oil purity, extraction methods, ethical sourcing, and third-party testing can be a significant determinant. Buyers should ensure they get oil from a supplier who provides clear information on these factors.

Q3. Can skins of animals that have not been ethically sourced affect the quality of CLA oil?

A3: Yes, it affects its quality and safety. Ethically sourced animals are usually fed natural diets and raised in healthier environments. On the other hand, inhumanely sourced animals are subjected to stress and poor diets, which can adversely affect the quality of fats, including CLA in meat. To improve oil quality and ensure more sustainable CLA production, buyers should consider sourcing it from ethically sourced animals.

Q4. How can buyers of CLA oils ensure sustainable sourcing practices are adhered to by their suppliers?

A4: Buyers should look for suppliers who provide clear information about the origin of the oils. They should also consider sourcing oils certified by credible organizations like the Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. These certifications ensure the suppliers are adhering to sustainable business practices.

Q5. Can CLA oils still be effective after surpassing their shelf lives?

A5: If past their shelf life, oils may become ineffective. In some cases, they can still be safe for use. Oils past their shelf life may have already degraded, so they will probably have low amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and might have turned rancid. Therefore, oils that are past their shelf life are no longer useful for skincare or dietary purposes and should be discarded safely.