Altogether, GNC Total Lean includes four separate CLA products:
- GNC Total Lean CLA
- GNC Total Lean PM
- GNC Total Lean CLA Powder
And the subject of this review: GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9. Judging by the names alone, it should be pretty obvious which of these items is the best CLA product of the GNC Total Lean System.
However, the idea of a “best CLA product” might be somewhat of a red herring. After all, is CLA even a good fat burner ingredient? Is this something you’ll want to invest in, even if it’s the best in its category? Let’s read the GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 review to find out.
Table of Contents
About GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9
As part of the GNC Total Lean® System, GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 is the best CLA option listed under GNC’s “Support Lean Muscle” category. And it earns this top spot with its quality CLA and diverse omega-3-6-9 fatty acids spectrum. Formula notes:
- Fat-to-Muscle: Some studies and anecdotes rank CLA as a “body composition” enhancing fat burner; a prime ingredient for the cutting, yet bulking bodybuilder.
- Omega 3-6-9: This isn’t a Ying Yang Twins reference. The 3-6-9 is in reference to the three different omegas found in this formula: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9.
- Clean Caps: Or rather clean softgels. GNC does an awesome job at keeping these softgel capsules fresh and free from needless additives, allowing for a higher formula dosage.
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 Supplement Facts |
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Serving Size: 2 Softgels Servings Per Container: 60 |
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Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 30 |
Calories from Fat | 30 |
Total Fat | 3 g (5% DV) |
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers as Clarinol®) (from Safflower Oil) | 1.7 g |
GLA (gamma-Linoleic Acid) (from Safflower Oil) (Omega-6) | 150 mg |
Oleic Acid (from Safflower Oil) (Omega-9) | 100 mg |
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) (from Fish Oil) (Omega-3) | 92 mg |
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) (from Fish Oil) (Omega-3) | 58 mg |
Medium Chain Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil) | 50 mg |
Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols. |
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Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two softgels twice daily with meals. To ensure optimal results, take four softgels daily. To supercharge your metabolism, use in combination with Total Lean™ Advanced Lean Shake™ Burn. |
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA three six nine, damn you fine! (git low! git low! git loooow!)
No, not that kind of 3-6-9. Instead, this supplement is referring to the omega fatty acid spectrum supplied in this formula: Omega-3, Omega-6, and (you guessed it) Omega-9. Whereas other GNC Total Lean CLA supplements provide pretty standard and straightforward CLA, this product provides advanced premium CLA (as advertised).
But is it any better than regular ol’ CLA? Let’s find out.
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 Review: Conjugated Linoleic Acid Complex
CLA research is somewhat all over the place. Much of the research points towards legitimate fat burning bio-activities. Other studies say, “Nahh…” And what further complicates our analysis on this ingredient is this formula’s complex stack of fatty acids that surround it. So, to get the full picture on GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9, we’ll need to take it apart part-by-part. Check it:
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) – GNC Total Lean’s featured ingredient, CLA, has a generally positive reputation among bodybuilders for its “body composition” benefits and fat-to-muscle boosting bio-activities. Potentially good for both muscle gains as well as fat loss.
Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA) – Operating as “6” in the 3-6-9 equation, GLA seems possess a number of health benefits. E.g., attention boosts, bone support, and more. However, fat burning isn’t quite on the list.
Oleic Acid – Popularized by the Mediterranean diet, oleic acid seems to possess heart and skin healthy anti-inflammatory actions, potentially assisting with immune function as well.
EPA and DHA – The supposedly optimal EPA:DHA ratio is 1.5 EPA for every 1 DHA unit. Good on GNC for essentially hitting that target.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) – MCT has various uses, including brain health support, metabolic enhancement, and more. Hard to say the value of this MCT, considering we’re only getting 50 mg of it. But not a bad addition either way.
Formula Analysis
First off, let’s start with the dosage. When dealing with a hyperfocused formula such as GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9, which sets its sights solely on fatty acid powered weight loss, one of the easiest ways to find out if it works: Check the dosage.
Some single-ingredient products boast a big game, citing all of the positive research attached to their single ingredient, yet crowd their formula with unnecessary fillers and additives. However, GNC Total Lean does a solid job here, supplying a hefty 4300 mg split into two softgel servings. Noice.
What’s more, GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 loosens its focus enough to include a diversity of CLA benefits, as opposed to the other Total Lean CLA options.
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 stacks various fatty acid types for a diversity of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fat burning benefits.
While it doesn’t provide the nuanced fat burning chops of the other top fat burner supplements currently on the 2018 market, GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 offers a solid, healthy CLA option for those who are looking. Not enough to adequately conquer fat on its own, yet great for stacking with other fat burners, PWOs, etc.
The Total Lean® System
The Total Lean System that’s “Scientifically Designed For Every Weight Loss Goal” works as a three-part supplement stack operation. Those three parts being:
- Start with a Clinically Proven Foundation – Includes GNC Total Lean Lean Shake 25 and the Burn & Define Vitapak® Program.
- Customize to Your Needs – Choose additional supplements categorized by goal; e.g., Manage Your Appetite, Snack Smarter, Support Lean Muscle, etc., etc.
- Achieve Your Goals – Essentially a vague allusion to more GNC supplements and articles on health management and weight loss goals.
Does the “Scientifically Designed” claim hold weight here? We doubt it. Or at least we have ready of any clinical human trials focusing on this particular system. Yet, the ingredients chosen for these ingredients have generally been researched and demonstrated to work. So, that’s purdy good, right?
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 Benefits
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 makes several health benefits with its fatty acid-laden formula, most notably (as advertised on the GNC website):
- Targets Fat Metabolism
- Improves Body Composition
- Promotes Cardio & Joint Health
- Fuels Lean Muscle Tone
Essentially, this supplement operates as a Fish Oil 2.0 supplement, enhancing the usual results of a quality fish oil pill with those of a quality safflower oil pill. This mix of metabolic enhancing fatty acids with anti-inflammatory omegas may benefits weight management as well as general health and wellbeing.
Who Takes It?
Lean Bodybuilders. Men and women who are simultaneously bulking up and slimming down. If that sounds like an oxymoron, that’s because it is. But it’s a legitimate goal: bulking up the muscle mass, slimming down the belly fat. I.e., WINNING.
Any Side Effects?
Don’t expect any significant side effect risk with this supplement. These ingredients are generally safe, healthy, and natural, with high safety ratings and virtually zero reports of adverse effects. At least, the customer reviews on GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 seem to indicate that this formula presents no serious health threats. All the same, here’s the warning attached to the label:
For adult use only. Do not use this product if you are pregnant or lactating. If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a physician before using this product. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery. Keep out of reach of children.
GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 Review Summary
Pros
- Fats on Fats. This “Advanced Premium” stacks an impressive fatty acid list.
- Premium. No joke. GNC does a solid job with this fish + safflower mix.
- Hefty Servings. Two daily servings adds up to a solid oil intake.
Cons
- Needs Help. You’ll need to stack this supplement with other supps to get the most out of it.
- Questionable Research. While some studies showcase positive fat burning results with CLA, others do not. Further research is required for this supplement to gain legitimacy.
Pricing and Where to Buy
- 1 Bottle (1 month): $44.99
- Available online and in retail stores
GNC offers 120 softgel supplies with a “Delivery Frequency” option, if you order through the GNC website. However, you can also buy this product via Amazon.
Final Word on GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9
Despite the question marks surrounding CLA, GNC Total Lean Advanced Premium CLA 3-6-9 is an impressive CLA offering. Definitely worth the investment, if you’re searching for a quality, premium CLA stack. Will it miraculously shed that belly fat all on its own? No. You’ll need to stack this supplement with exercise and other BIG-time fat burners to get the most out of it. However, as a stack option, it’s definitely a good one.
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