1) Inhibits lipoprotein lipase,
2) Increases hormone sensitive lipase activity,
3) Has powerful antioxidant properties

This is verbatim from www.proteinfactory.com

But a common joe like myself would like some translation, please.
Basically my understanding is that it helps you lose fat (utilize fat reserves for energy), but I am unsure of the mechanisms involved or how effective it has been proven to be in studies.
BOTTOM LINE:
Is it worth it?

Flaxseed oil is a much better antioxidant, however, I'm not sure as to it's fat burning capabilities being any more effective than other beneficial fats. I use it just the same and have been pleased with it.

As far as legitimacy concerning CLA, I think it is useful for long term fat loss, but to what degree I do not know. Since carbs are what tend to make Americans fat, I'd take ALA since it has been shown in both research and in real life to help reduce fat storage.

Thanks and I hope that helps.

No need for further explanation, those fancy words just mean that it is helpful in burning fat, basically, right?

There was recently a 50% sale at a chain of stores called "Vitamin World" and I got some ALA and L-carnitine for real cheap, among other things...16 bucks for 100 caps of 200mg ALA, pretty good, yes/no?

anyways, thanks,