Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
What does it do?
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a slightly altered form of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. Preliminary animal and test tube research suggests that CLA might reduce the risk of cancers at several sites, including skin, breast, and stomach.1 2 3 However, until research with humans is published, it is unclear whether CLA will have a similar protective effect for people. Animal research also suggests a reduction of body fat in animals supplemented with CLA.4 As with the cancer research, the effects of CLA on human body composition remains unclear.
Where is it found?
CLA is found in beef, dairy products, poultry, eggs, and corn oil. Bacteria that live in the intestine of humans can produce CLA from linoleic acid. It is also available as a supplement.
Who is likely to be deficient?
No deficiencies of CLA are reported or believed to occur, since it is not an essential nutrient.
How much should I take?
Until human research is conducted with CLA, the appropriate amount to take of this nutrient remains unclear.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
The side effects of CLA are unknown, due to the limited research in humans. However, one unpublished human trial reported isolated cases of gastrointestinal upset.5
References
1. Ip C, Singh M, Thompson HJ, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid suppresses mammary carcinogenesis and proliferative activity of the mammary gland in the rat. Cancer Res 1994;54:1212.
2. Ha YL, Grimm NK, Pariza MW. Anticarcinogens from fried ground beef: heat-altered derivatives of linoleic acid. Carcinogenesis 1987;8:1881.
3. Durgam VR, Fernandes G. The growth inhibitory effect of conjugated linoleic acid on MCF-7 cells is related to estrogen response system. Cancer Lett 1997;116:121-30.
4. Pariza M, Park Y, Cook M, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat. FASEB J 1996;96:A560.
5. Thom E. A pilot study with the aim of studying the efficacy and tolerability of Tonalin CLA on the body composition in humans. Medstat Research Ltd.: Lillestrom, Norway, July 1997[unpublished].
User Contributed Notes
Mike Wilson
The study was conducted to analyze the effects of CLA on human body. The tests were done to measure the effects on body fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral mass, body weight, and body mass index. The CLA supplement was given in the triglyceride form.
The results showed that there was no change in fasting blood sugar. There was significant increase in aspartate amino transferase. There was marked lessening of plasma total cholesterol and LDL, but not HDL cholestrol. There was a reduction in body fat mass and body weight in the subjects who were given triglycerides.
This proves that CLA supplementation in healthy adults is not only acceptable to the body but it also helped in reducing body weight and may help in maintaining the body fat mass in the longer time phase.
However experts are of the opinion that the results are not sufficient to use triglycerides or CLA supplements as medication for weight loss in obese adults. More studies are required to confirm the results and find out the safety of using the drug for the long term.
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