Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Evuluation of Its Effects in the Prevention and Therapy of Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) comprises a group o f linoleic acid isomers involved in its double bonds. The common dietary sources o f CLA are ruminant milk, milkproducts, beef and lamb. Dietary supplements o f chemically prep a r e d CLA are availa b le in health products stores. In animal models, it has been reported th a t CLA can red uce or p r e v e n t adiposity, improve insülin resistance, inhibit tumor development and modulate inflamatory reactions. However, there are not adequate evidence in humans about the usefulness o f CLA in the prevention or treatment o f chronic diseases. Even some o f the fındings indicated that CLA has negative ejfect on insülin resistance.