Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ultra CLA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Metagenics

Softgel Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Ultra CLA is a dietary supplement by Metagenics with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and concentration, digestive upset, hair growth.Based on those ingredients, 372 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ultra CLA by Metagenics

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Ultra CLA has two active ingredients. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of fat found naturally in meat and dairy.

Rosemary leaf extract is a concentrated form of the herb rosemary, added here likely for its antioxidant properties. The softgel capsule also contains several inactive ingredients — gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, water, rosemary extract, annatto extract (a natural colorant), and lecithin — that help form and preserve the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Rosemary's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Rosemary for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Memory — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

For rosemary, the data shows it's possibly effective for memory. The evidence for other uses — age-related cognitive decline, alopecia areata (hair loss), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — is insufficient to establish whether it works.

We don't hold effectiveness data for conjugated linoleic acid in our system, so we can't speak to what it does in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Rosemary

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Rosemary is generally well tolerated in the food amounts we eat every day. Concentrated extracts like the one in this product warrant caution.

Topically, allergic skin reactions and contact dermatitis have been reported, and some people have developed occupational asthma from inhaling rosemary dust. The undiluted rosemary oil can theoretically cause seizures, though the extract here is not undiluted oil.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: food amounts of rosemary are likely fine, but medicinal doses haven't been well studied in pregnancy — the safety data advises against large or concentrated doses in pregnancy. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data on medicinal doses, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Rosemary

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Rosemary.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 372 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Ultra CLA, double-check if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — rosemary may increase bleeding risk. Also flag any diabetes medications (risk of low blood sugar), aspirin or salicylate-containing pain relievers, and medications your liver processes via CYP1A2, which rosemary might make less effective.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Ultra CLA might interest you if you're looking for a CLA supplement with antioxidant support from rosemary. If you take any blood thinners, diabetes medications, aspirin, or other salicylate-based pain relievers, you need to check with us first — the rosemary in here can interact with those.

Pregnant or nursing? Talk with your pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Ultra CLA, straight from the product label.

Brand Metagenics
Barcode (UPC) 755571030306
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2020
DSLD ID 216618
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Ultra CLA by Metagenics, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
755571030306
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat1 Gram(s)1%
Conjugated Linoleic Acid1 Gram(s)--
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract40 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, purified Water, Rosemary extract, Annatto extract, Lecithin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Ultra CLA features high quality conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in triglyceride, rather than free fatty acid, form for enhanced stability. The stability of the CLA is further enhanced by the addition of a standardized extract of rosemary leaf, which helps protect the oil. CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that may support lean body mass.

High quality conjugated linoleic acid

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take two softgels three times daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formulation

This product is gluten-free.

Precautions

Caution: Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. If taking medication, consult your healthcare practitioner before use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Contains: Soy. This product is produced in a facility that produces products containing wheat, gluten, milk, egg, soy, tree nuts, fish, and crustacean shellfish.

Brand IP Statement(s)

U.S. Patent No. 6,432,453.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Practitioner exclusive

See for yourself

Ultra CLA by Metagenics label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ultra CLA by Metagenics

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

1 Gram(s) per serving
40 mg per serving Form: Carnosol + Carnosic Acid

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb that is safe and flavorful in normal food amounts. Some early research suggests possible benefits for memory...

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, Purified Water, Rosemary extract, Annatto extract, Lecithin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ultra CLA by Metagenics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ultra CLA?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
372Drugs
212 Moderate 160 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ultra CLA with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract6 drug types · 372 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that rosemary inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models. However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults, no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A2 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ultra CLA, from the product label.

Metagenics

See all Metagenics products
Name
Metagenics
City
Gig Harbor
State
WA
ZipCode
98332
Phone Number
800 692 9400
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ultra CLA by Metagenics: Common Questions

Does Ultra CLA by Metagenics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ultra CLA has a known interaction with 372 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ultra CLA contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does rosemary in this product actually help with memory?
The data shows rosemary is possibly effective for memory — meaning there's some evidence, but it's not rock solid. For other uses like age-related thinking problems or hair loss, the evidence isn't established enough to say either way.
What's conjugated linoleic acid, and does it do anything?
CLA is a naturally occurring fat found in meat and dairy. We don't hold effectiveness data for it in our system, so I can't tell you what role it plays in this particular product — ask the manufacturer for their research.
Is rosemary extract safe to take every day?
Food amounts of rosemary are safe with regular use. This product contains a concentrated extract, so concentrated doses need more caution. If you're thinking of taking it long-term, it's worth a conversation with your pharmacist, especially if you're on any medications.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Food amounts of rosemary are likely fine, but medicinal or large doses haven't been well studied in pregnancy — the data advises against them. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on medicinal doses of rosemary during breastfeeding. Food amounts are probably okay, but for this concentrated extract, check with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.
Can rosemary cause allergic reactions?
Yes — topically, allergic skin reactions and contact dermatitis have been reported, likely from a compound called carnosol in rosemary. In rare cases, inhaling rosemary dust has triggered occupational asthma in people exposed regularly.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Ultra CLA is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Ultra CLA label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ultra CLA's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 20 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Rosemary 20 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  4. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  5. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  6. Cartier LC, Lehrer A, Malo JL. Occupational asthma caused by aromatic herbs. Allergy 1996;51:647-9. DOI
  7. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  8. Swain AR, Dutton SP, Truswell AS. Salicylates in foods. J Am Diet.Assoc 1985;85(8):950-60. DOI
  9. Zhu BT, Loder DP, Cai MX, et al. Dietary administration of an extract from rosemary leaves enhances the liver microsomal metabolism of endogenous estrogens and decreases their uterotropic action in CD-1 mice. Carcinogenesis 1998;19(10):1821-7. PubMed
  10. Debersac P, Heydel JM, Amiot MJ, et al. Induction of cytochrome P450 and/or detoxication enzymes by various extracts of rosemary: description of specific patterns. Food Chem Toxicol 2001;39(9):907-18. PubMed
  11. Debersac P, Vernevaut MF, Amiot MJ, et al. Effects of a water-soluble extract of rosemary and its purified component rosmarinic acid on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat liver. Food Chem Toxicol 2001;39(2):109-17. PubMed
  12. Lee JJ, Jin YR, Lee JH, et al. Antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene from Rosmarinus officinalis. Planta Med 2007;73(2):121-7.
  13. Yamamoto J, Yamada K, Naemura A, et al. Testing various herbs for antithrombotic effect. Nutrition 2005;21(5):580-7. PubMed
  14. Naemura A, Ura M, Yamashita T, et al. Long-term intake of rosemary and common thyme herbs inhibits experimental thrombosis without prolongation of bleeding time. Thromb Res 2008;122(4):517-22. PubMed
  15. Lee JJ, Jin YR, Lim Y, et al. Antiplatelet activity of carnosol is mediated by the inhibition of TXA2 receptor and cytosolic calcium mobilization. Vascul Pharmacol 2006;45:148-53. PubMed
  16. Bakirel, T., Bakirel, U., Keles, O. U., Ulgen, S. G., and Yardibi, H. In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. J Ethnopharmacol 2-28-2008;116(1):64-73. PubMed
  17. Erenmemisoglu, A., Saraymen, R., and Ustun, S. Effect of a Rosmarinus officinalis leave extract on plasma glucose levels in normoglycaemic and diabetic mice. Pharmazie 1997;52(8):645-646.
  18. Valones MAA, Silva ICG, Gueiros LAM, Leão JC, Caldas AF Jr, Carvalho AAT. Clinical assessment of rosemary-based toothpaste (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.): A randomized controlled double-blind study. Braz Dent J. 2019;30(2):146-151. PubMed
  19. Quirarte-Báez SM, Zamora-Perez AL, Reyes-Estrada CA, et al. A shortened treatment with rosemary tea (rosmarinus officinalis) instead of glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (TSD). J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2019;26(4):e18-e28.
  20. Al Jamal A. Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on lipid profiles and blood glucose in human diabetic patients (type-2). African J. Biochem. Res. 2014;8(8):147-50. DOI

See these in context on the Rosemary monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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