Effects of Two Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers on Body Fat Mass in Overweight Humans

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on anthropometrics and body composition indices in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Prior meta-analytic investigations over a decade ago rather inconclusively indicated that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation could improve anthropometric and body composition indices in the general adult population. More recent investigations have emerged, and an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic must be improved. Therefore, this investigation provides a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) on the impact of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition (body mass (BM), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP) and fat-free mass (FFM)) markers in adults. Online databases search, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to March 2022, were utilised to retrieve RCT examining the effect of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition markers in adults. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used as an index of statistical heterogeneity of RCT. Among the initial 8351 studies identified from electronic databases search, seventy RCT with ninety-six effect sizes involving 4159 participants were included for data analyses. The results of random-effects modelling demonstrated that CLA supplementation significantly reduced BM (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0·35, 95 % CI (-0·54, -0·15), P < 0·001), BMI (WMD: -0·15, 95 % CI (-0·24, -0·06), P = 0·001), WC (WMD: -0·62, 95% CI (-1·04, -0·20), P = 0·004), FM (WMD: -0·44, 95 % CI (-0·66, -0·23), P < 0·001), BFP (WMD: -0·77 %, 95 % CI (-1·09, -0·45), P < 0·001) and increased FFM (WMD: 0·27, 95 % CI (0·09, 0·45), P = 0·003). The high-quality subgroup showed that CLA supplementation fails to change FM and BFP. However, according to high-quality studies, CLA intake resulted in small but significant increases in FFM and decreases in BM and BMI. This meta-analysis study suggests that CLA supplementation may result in a small but significant improvement in anthropometric and body composition markers in an adult population. However, data from high-quality studies failed to show CLA's body fat-lowering properties. Moreover, it should be noted that the weight-loss properties of CLA were small and may not reach clinical importance.

Production of trans and conjugated fatty acids in dairy ruminants and their putative effects on human health: A review

Consumption of milk and dairy products is important in Western industrialised countries. Fat content is an important constituent contributing to the nutritional quality of milk and dairy products. In order to improve the health of consumers, there is high interest in improving their fatty acid (FA) composition, which depends principally on rumen and mammary metabolism. This paper reviews the lipid metabolism in ruminants, with a particular focus on the production of trans and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) in the rumen. After the lipolysis of dietary lipids, an extensive biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA occurs by rumen bacteria, leading to numerous cis and trans isomers of 18:1, non-conjugated of 18:2, CLA and CLnA. The paper examines the different putative pathways of ruminal biohydrogenation of cis9-18:1, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3 and long-chain FA and the bacteria implicated. Then mechanisms relative to the de novo mammary synthesis are presented. Ruminant diet is the main factor regulating the content and the composition of milk fat. Effects of nature of forage and lipid supplementation are analysed in cows and small ruminants species. Finally, the paper briefly presents the effects of these FA on animal models and human cell lines. We describe the properties of ruminant trans 18:1, when compared to industrial trans 18:1, CLA and CLnA on human health from meta-analyses of intervention studies and then explore the underlying mechanisms.

Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation does not maximize motor performance and abdominal and trunk fat loss induced by aerobic training in overweight women

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effect of eight weeks of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on physical performance, and trunk and abdominal fat in overweight women submitted to an aerobic training program. Methods: Twenty-eight overweight women (body mass index ³25 kg/m2) were divided randomly and double-blindly to receive conjugated linoleic acid or placebo, both associated with an aerobic exercise program (frequency = three times a week, duration=30 min/session, intensity=80% of maximum heart rate). Conjugated linoleic acid (3.2 g) and placebo (4.0 g) supplements were consumed daily (four capsules) for eight weeks. Maximum speed and time to exhaustion were determined in incremental treadmill test. Trunk fat was estimated by dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry. Waist circumference was used as indicator of abdominal fat. Results: Main effect of time (p<0.05) showed increased maximum speed (conjugated linoleic acid=+6.3% vs. placebo=+7.5%) and time to exhaustion (conjugated linoleic acid=+7.1% vs. placebo=+8.6%) in the incremental treadmill test, with no differences between the groups (p>0.05). Similarly, significant reductions (p<0.05) in trunk fat (conjugated linoleic acid=-1.7% vs. placebo=-1.5%) and abdominal fat (conjugated linoleic acid=-4.7% vs. placebo=-4.0%) were found after eight weeks of intervention, with no differences between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that conjugated linoleic acid supplementation does not maximize motor performance, and loss of body and abdominal fat induced by aerobic training in overweight women.

Atheroprotective effects of conjugated linoleic acid

Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of heart attack and strokes, is a progressive dyslipidaemic and inflammatory disease where monocyte-derived macrophage cells play a pivotal role. Although most of the mechanisms that contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis have been identified, there is limited information on those governing regression. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a generic term denoting a group of naturally occurring isomers of linoleic acid (18:2, n6) that differ in the position or geometry (i.e. cis or trans) of their double bonds. The most predominant isomers in ruminant fats are cis-9, trans-11 CLA (c9,t11-CLA), which accounts for more than 80% of CLA isomers in dairy products and trans-10, cis-12 CLA (t10,c12-CLA). Dietary administration of a blend of the two most abundant isomers of CLA has been shown to inhibit the progression and induce the regression of pre-established atherosclerosis. Studies investigating the mechanisms involved in CLA-induced atheroprotective effects are continually emerging. The purpose of this review is to discuss comprehensively the effects of CLA on monocyte/macrophage function in atherosclerosis and to identify possible mechanisms through which CLA mediates its atheroprotective effects.

Impact of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on Skeletal Muscle Metabolism

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has garnered special attention as a food bioactive compound that prevents and attenuates obesity. Although most studies on the effects of CLA on obesity have focused on the reduction of body fat, a number of studies have demonstrated that CLA also increases lean body mass and enhances physical performances. It has been suggested that these effects may be due in part to physiological changes in the skeletal muscle, such as changes in the muscle fiber type transformation, alteration of the intracellular signaling pathways in muscle metabolism, or energy metabolism. However, the mode of action for CLA in muscle metabolism is not completely understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the effects of CLA on skeletal muscle metabolism. Given that CLA not only reduces body fat, but also improves lean mass, there is great potential for the use of CLA to improve muscle metabolism, which would have a significant health impact.

Pros and cons of CLA consumption: an insight from clinical evidences

This comprehensive review critically evaluates whether supposed health benefits propounded upon human consumption of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are clinically proven or not. With a general introduction on the chemistry of CLA, major clinical evidences pertaining to intervention strategies, body composition, cardio-vascular health, immunity, asthma, cancer and diabetes are evaluated. Supposed adverse effects such as oxidative stress, insulin resistance, irritation of intestinal tract and milk fat depression are also examined. It seems that no consistent result was observed even in similar studies conducted at different laboratories, this may be due to variations in age, gender, racial and geographical disparities, coupled with type and dose of CLA supplemented. Thus, supposed promising results reported in mechanistic and pre-clinical studies cannot be extrapolated with humans, mainly due to the lack of inconsistency in analyses, prolonged intervention studies, follow-up studies and international co-ordination of concerted studies. Briefly, clinical evidences accumulated thus far show that CLA is not eliciting significantly promising and consistent health effects so as to uphold it as neither a functional nor a medical food.

Dairy foods and dairy protein consumption is inversely related to markers of adiposity in obese men and women

A number of intervention studies have reported that the prevalence of obesity may be in part inversely related to dairy food consumption while others report no association. We sought to examine relationships between energy, protein and calcium consumption from dairy foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese, dairy spreads, ice-cream) and adiposity including body mass index (BMI), waist (WC) and hip circumference (HC), and direct measures of body composition using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (% body fat and abdominal fat) in an opportunistic sample of 720 overweight/obese Australian men and women. Mean (SD) age, weight and BMI of the population were 51 ± 10 year, 94 ± 18 kg and 32.4 ± 5.7 kg/m², respectively. Reduced fat milk was the most commonly consumed dairy product (235 ± 200 g/day), followed by whole milk (63 ± 128 g/day) and yoghurt (53 ± 66 g/day). Overall dairy food consumption (g/day) was inversely associated with BMI, % body fat and WC (all p < 0.05). Dairy protein and dairy calcium (g/day) were both inversely associated with all adiposity measures (all p < 0.05). Yoghurt consumption (g/day) was inversely associated with % body fat, abdominal fat, WC and HC (all p < 0.05), while reduced fat milk consumption was inversely associated with BMI, WC, HC and % body fat (all p < 0.05). Within a sample of obese adults, consumption of dairy products, dairy protein, and calcium was associated with more favourable body composition.

Trans-fatty acids, dangerous bonds for health? A background review paper of their use, consumption, health implications and regulation in France

INTRODUCTION

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) can be produced either from bio-hydrogenation in the rumen of ruminants or by industrial hydrogenation. While most of TFAs' effects from ruminants are poorly established, there is increasing evidence that high content of industrial TFAs may cause deleterious effects on human health and life span.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Indeed, several epidemiological and experimental studies strongly suggest that high content of most TFA isomers could represent a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by a mechanism that lowers the "good HDL cholesterol" and raises the "bad LDL cholesterol."

RESULTS

With respect to the general precautionary principle and considering the existence of an international policy consensus regarding the need for public health action, some industrialized countries, such as France, are still not sufficiently involved in preventive strategies that aim to efficiently reduce TFAs content and TFAs consumption and produce alternative healthier fat sources.

CONCLUSION

In this manuscript, we provide an overview about TFAs origins, their use and consumption among French population. We also discuss their potential human health implications as well as the preventive and regulatory measures undertaken in France.

Implication of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in human health

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has drawn significant attention in the last two decades for its variety of biologically beneficial effects. CLA reduces body fat, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and modulates immune and inflammatory responses as well as improves bone mass. It has been suggested that the overall effects of CLA are the results of interactions between two major isomers, cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12. This review will primarily focus on current CLA publications involving humans, which are also summarized in the tables. Along with a number of beneficial effects of CLA, there are safety considerations for CLA supplementation in humans, which include effects on liver functions, milk fat depression, glucose metabolism, and oxidative stresses.

Dietary conjugated nonadecadienoic acid prevents adult-onset obesity in nescient basic helix-loop-helix 2 knockout mice

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively studied during the last two decades with regard to its effects on controlling body composition. As a cognate to CLA, conjugated nonadecadienoic acid (CNA) has been previously reported to reduce body fat more effectively than CLA. However, it is not known whether CNA supplementation can influence adult-onset obesity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary CNA on the prevention of adult-onset inactivity-induced obesity using nescient basic helix-loop-helix 2 knockout (N2KO) mice. CNA supplementation at 0.1 w/w% level starting in the preobese state significantly prevented the reduction of voluntary movement and the increase in weight gain in N2KO mice during the experimental period compared to wild-type animals. In both wild-type and N2KO mice, respiratory exchange ratio was significantly reduced by CNA treatment during light and dark cycles, and dietary CNA significantly increased energy expenditure in N2KO mice. Selected gene expression profiles in white adipose tissue, muscle or liver showed a beneficial action of CNA on lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. These findings suggest that CNA could prevent adult-onset obesity by enhancing voluntary activity and energy expenditure in N2KO mice.

The relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and obesity, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease

PURPOSE

To comprehensively review the data on the relationship between the consumption of dairy fat and high-fat dairy foods, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease.

METHODS

We have conducted a systematic literature review of observational studies on the relationship between dairy fat and high-fat dairy foods, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease. We have integrated these findings with data from controlled studies showing effects of several minor dairy fatty acids on adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors, and data on how bovine feeding practices influence the composition of dairy fat.

RESULTS

In 11 of 16 studies, high-fat dairy intake was inversely associated with measures of adiposity. Studies examining the relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and metabolic health reported either an inverse or no association. Studies investigating the connection between high-fat dairy intake and diabetes or cardiovascular disease incidence were inconsistent. We discuss factors that may have contributed to the variability between studies, including differences in (1) the potential for residual confounding; (2) the types of high-fat dairy foods consumed; and (3) bovine feeding practices (pasture- vs. grain-based) known to influence the composition of dairy fat.

CONCLUSIONS

The observational evidence does not support the hypothesis that dairy fat or high-fat dairy foods contribute to obesity or cardiometabolic risk, and suggests that high-fat dairy consumption within typical dietary patterns is inversely associated with obesity risk. Although not conclusive, these findings may provide a rationale for future research into the bioactive properties of dairy fat and the impact of bovine feeding practices on the health effects of dairy fat.

Human health effects of conjugated linoleic acid from milk and supplements

The primary purpose of the present review was to determine if the scientific evidence available for potential human health benefits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is sufficient to support health claims on foods based on milk naturally enriched with cis-9, trans-11-CLA (c9, t11-CLA). A search of the scientific literature was conducted and showed that almost all the promising research results that have emerged in relation to cancer, heart health, obesity, diabetes and bone health have been in animal models or in vitro. Most human intervention studies have utilised synthetic CLA supplements, usually a 50:50 blend of c9, t11-CLA and trans-10, cis-12-CLA (t10, c12-CLA). Of these studies, the only evidence that is broadly consistent is an effect on body fat and weight reduction. A previous review of the relevant studies found that 3.2 g CLA/d resulted in a modest body fat loss in human subjects of about 0.09 kg/week, but this effect was attributed to the t10, c12-CLA isomer. There is no evidence of a consistent benefit of c9, t11-CLA on any health conditions; and in fact both synthetic isomers, particularly t10, c12-CLA, have been suspected of having pro-diabetic effects in individuals who are already at risk of developing diabetes. Four published intervention studies using naturally enriched CLA products were identified; however, the results were inconclusive. This may be partly due to the differences in the concentration of CLA administered in animal and human studies. In conclusion, further substantiation of the scientific evidence relating to CLA and human health benefits are required before health claims can be confirmed.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on weight loss and body fat composition in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has several benefits, including body fat reduction, as proved in animals. However, the results of CLA-induced body composition alterations in humans are inconsistent, and no related data are available for Chinese populations. This study aimed to determine whether CLA affects body weight (BW) loss and body composition of overweight and obese Chinese subjects.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 24 to 35 kg/m(2) randomly received 1.7 g of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA (n = 30) or placebo (salad oil; n = 33) in 200 mL of sterilized milk twice daily for 12 wk. Changes in body composition were determined by bioimpedance measurements.

RESULTS

Sixty-three subjects completed the study (CLA, n = 30). After 12 wk, compared with the baseline, the BW, BMI, total fat mass, fat percentage, subcutaneous fat mass, and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in the CLA group (P < 0.05). The CLA group was stratified by BMI and gender. The BW, BMI, subcutaneous fat mass, and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in 27 subjects with a BMI ≥ 27, and these indices, except subcutaneous fat mass, were lower in female subjects. The levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, and plasma fasting glucose increased, whereas those of high-density lipoprotein decreased after 3 mo of CLA treatment. The changes were not significantly different from the baseline values.

CONCLUSION

The supplementation of CLA for 12 wk in overweight and grade I obese Chinese subjects yielded lower obesity indices, with no obvious adverse effects.

Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fat metabolism

The term 'fat burner' is used to describe nutrition supplements that are claimed to acutely increase fat metabolism or energy expenditure, impair fat absorption, increase weight loss, increase fat oxidation during exercise, or somehow cause long-term adaptations that promote fat metabolism. Often, these supplements contain a number of ingredients, each with its own proposed mechanism of action and it is often claimed that the combination of these substances will have additive effects. The list of supplements that are claimed to increase or improve fat metabolism is long; the most popular supplements include caffeine, carnitine, green tea, conjugated linoleic acid, forskolin, chromium, kelp and fucoxanthin. In this review the evidence for some of these supplements is briefly summarized. Based on the available literature, caffeine and green tea have data to back up its fat metabolism-enhancing properties. For many other supplements, although some show some promise, evidence is lacking. The list of supplements is industry-driven and is likely to grow at a rate that is not matched by a similar increase in scientific underpinning.

Dietary conjugated linoleic Acid and hepatic steatosis: species-specific effects on liver and adipose lipid metabolism and gene expression

Objective. To summarize the recent studies on effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on hepatic steatosis and hepatic and adipose lipid metabolism highlighting the potential regulatory mechanisms. Methods. Sixty-four published experiments were summarized in which trans-10, cis-12 CLA was fed either alone or in combination with other CLA isomers to mice, rats, hamsters, and humans were compared. Summary and Conclusions. Dietary trans-10, cis-12 CLA induces a severe hepatic steatosis in mice with a more muted response in other species. Regardless of species, when hepatic steatosis was present, a concurrent decrease in body adiposity was observed, suggesting that hepatic lipid accumulation is a result of uptake of mobilized fatty acids (FA) from adipose tissue and the liver's inability to sufficiently increase FA oxidation and export of synthesized triglycerides. The potential role of liver FA composition, insulin secretion and sensitivity, adipokine, and inflammatory responses are discussed as potential mechanisms behind CLA-induced hepatic steatosis.

Interaction between dietary conjugated linoleic acid and calcium supplementation affecting bone and fat mass

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has shown wide biologically beneficial effects, such as anticancer, antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, immunomodulating, and antiobesity effects. However, the effects of CLA on total body ash, reflective of bone mineral content, have not been consistent. We hypothesized that the inconsistency of the CLA effect on ash may be linked to interaction between CLA and dietary calcium levels. Thus, we investigated the effects of CLA on body ash in conjunction with various calcium levels. Male ICR mice were fed three different levels of calcium (0.01, 0.5, and 1%) with or without 0.5% CLA for 4 weeks for Experiment 1 and separate CLA isomers at 0.22% level with 1% calcium in Experiment 2. CLA feeding reduced body fat regardless of dietary calcium level, whereas CLA supplementation increased body ash compared to control only in animals fed the 1% calcium. In Experiment 2 it was confirmed that this observation was associated with the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer, but not with the cis-9, trans-11 isomer. CLA administration with 1% dietary calcium significantly improved total ash percent (%) in femurs, confirming that CLA has the potential to be used to improve bone mass.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): is it time to supplement asthma therapy?

The limitations and side effects of existing asthma therapies prompt interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a family of natural fatty acids found primarily in beef and dairy products. These molecules have a variety of biological properties which suggest potential benefit in asthma, including effects on energy regulation, lipid metabolism, inflammation and immune function. Here we review the evidence for these effects from pre-clinical and clinical studies, their significance in the context of human asthma, and discuss the potential role for CLA supplementation in asthma management.

Milk enriched with conjugated linoleic acid fails to alter blood lipids or body composition in moderately overweight, borderline hyperlipidemic individuals

BACKGROUND

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) represents a group of positional and geometric isomers of conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid. The effects of dietary CLA on blood lipids and body composition in humans remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether consumption of milk enriched naturally or synthetically with cis 9, trans 11 (c-9, t-11) and trans 10, cis 12 (t-10, c-12) CLA isomers alters blood lipid indices, including concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacyglycerol; indices of liver function including plasma alanine transaminase and total bilirubin; C-reactive protein; tumor necrosis factor-alpha; and body weight and composition in moderately overweight, borderline hyperlipidemic humans.

DESIGN

A randomized, 3-phase, crossover, single-blind clinical trial was carried out in moderately overweight, borderline hyperlipidemic individuals who consumed (1) milk naturally enriched in CLA (4.2%) containing c-9, t-11 only providing 1.3 g/d of CLA; (2) milk enriched with a 4.2% synthetic mixture of t-10, c-12 and c-9, t-11 CLA isomers providing 1.3 g/d of CLA; or (3) untreated milk as a control providing 0.2 g/d CLA. Dietary phases were each 8 weeks in duration and were separated by 4-week washout periods. Plasma lipid levels were measured in blood samples collected at the beginning and end of each dietary phase. Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out at the beginning and end of each dietary phase to assess any changes in regional body fat composition.

RESULTS

Compared with the control intervention, consumption of the two CLA-enriched milks failed to alter plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triacyglycerol concentrations; body weight; or fat composition. CLA consumption did not significantly affect plasma alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, C-reactive protein, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study fail to support the role of milk enriched naturally with CLA containing c-9, t-11 or synthetically with c-9, t-11 and t-10, c-12 CLA isomers in modulation of lipid profiles or body composition in moderately overweight, borderline hyperlipidemic individuals.

Comparison of postprandial oleic acid, 9c,11t CLA and 10t,12c CLA oxidation in healthy moderately overweight subjects

Few studies report the individual effect of 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA on human energy metabolism. We compared the postprandial oxidative metabolism of 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA and oleic acid (9c-18:1) in 22 healthy moderately overweight volunteers. After 24 weeks supplementation with 9c,11t-, 10t,12c-CLA or 9c-18:1 (3 g/day), subjects consumed a single oral bolus of the appropriate [1-(13)C]-labeled fatty acid. 8 h post-dose, cumulative oxidation was similar for 9c-18:1 and 10t,12c (P = 0.66), but significantly higher for 9c,11t (P < 0.01).

ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: research & recommendations

Sports nutrition is a constantly evolving field with hundreds of research papers published annually. For this reason, keeping up to date with the literature is often difficult. This paper is a five year update of the sports nutrition review article published as the lead paper to launch the JISSN in 2004 and presents a well-referenced overview of the current state of the science related to how to optimize training and athletic performance through nutrition. More specifically, this paper provides an overview of: 1.) The definitional category of ergogenic aids and dietary supplements; 2.) How dietary supplements are legally regulated; 3.) How to evaluate the scientific merit of nutritional supplements; 4.) General nutritional strategies to optimize performance and enhance recovery; and, 5.) An overview of our current understanding of the ergogenic value of nutrition and dietary supplementation in regards to weight gain, weight loss, and performance enhancement. Our hope is that ISSN members and individuals interested in sports nutrition find this review useful in their daily practice and consultation with their clients.

A meta-analysis of the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on fat-free mass in humans

Treatment of laboratory animals with a 50:50 mixture of c9,t11 and t10,c12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) results in fat loss and, to a smaller degree, fat-free mass (FFM) gain. In a previous meta-analysis, we found that CLA produced a fat loss, but that humans were not as responsive as mice. We performed a similar meta-analysis in the same 18 studies to test whether CLA increased FFM. Only placebo-controlled trials that measured body composition were included. We found that FFM increased during CLA treatment (0.3 +/- 0.7 kg; p = 0.05), but that the change did not display an effect of length of treatment (0.001 +/- 0.005 kg.week(-1); p = 0.8), or an effect of dosage (0.1 +/- 0.1 kg.g CLA(-1).day(-1); p = 0.3). We conclude that FFM does increase in humans during CLA treatment, but the onset of the increase is rapid and the total increase is small (<1%).

Dietary supplementation with cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid and aortic stiffness in overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND

Animal studies suggest that dietary cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may inhibit or regress the development of atherosclerosis. The effect of CLA on atherosclerosis has not been assessed in humans.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of c9,t11 CLA supplementation on aortic pulse wave velocity (a marker of atherosclerosis) and on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese but otherwise apparently healthy subjects.

DESIGN

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, we randomly assigned 401 subjects, aged 40-70 y and with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) > or = 25, to receive either 4 g CLA/d (2.5 g c9,t11 CLA/d and 0.6 g trans-10,cis-12 CLA/d) or placebo supplements for 6 mo. Aortic pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, anthropometric characteristics, and concentrations of fasting lipid, glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein were measured before and after supplementation.

RESULTS

During the intervention, mean (+/-SE) pulse wave velocity did not change in the c9,t11 CLA group (Delta0.00 +/- 0.07) compared with the placebo group (Delta0.09 +/- 0.06). There was no effect of c9,t11 CLA supplementation on blood pressure, body composition, insulin resistance, or concentrations of lipid, glucose, and C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSION

This study does not support an antiatherosclerotic effect or an effect on cardiovascular risk factors of c9,t11 CLA. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00706745.

Conjugated linoleic acid isomers, t10c12 and c9t11, are differentially incorporated into adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in humans

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a popular supplement believed to enhance immune function, body composition and insulin sensitivity, but results of scientific studies investigating its effects are conflicting. The isomer- and tissue-specific effects of CLA may explain these conflicting results. Therefore, this study quantified the incorporation of the c9t11 and t10c12 CLA isomers into adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in response to supplementation in healthy, regularly-exercising, non-obese persons. The CLA group (n = 14) ingested 3.9 g per day CLA (50:50 t9c11:c10t12) and the placebo group (n = 11) 3.9 g per day high-oleic-acid sunflower oil for 12 weeks. Following supplementation, the t10c12 isomer was incorporated into adipose tissue triacylglycerol (P < 0.001), and the c9t11 isomer tended to increase in skeletal muscle phospholipids (P = 0.056). Therefore, human adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are enriched with CLA in an isomer-specific manner.

Conjugated linoleic acids as functional food: an insight into their health benefits

This review evaluates the health benefits of the functional food, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) - a heterogeneous group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid predominantly found in milk, milk products, meat and meat products of ruminants. During the past couple of decades, hundreds of reports - principally based on in vitro, microbial, animal, and of late clinical trials on humans - have been accumulating with varying biological activities of CLA isomers. These studies highlight that CLA, apart form the classical nuclear transcription factors-mediated mechanism of action, appear to exhibit a number of inter-dependent molecular signalling pathways accounting for their reported health benefits. Such benefits relate to anti-obesitic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetagenic, immunomodulatory, apoptotic and osteosynthetic effects. On the other hand, negative effects of CLA have been reported such as fatty liver and spleen, induction of colon carcinogenesis and hyperproinsulinaemia. As far as human consumption is concerned, a definite conclusion for CLA safety has not been reached yet. Parameters such as administration of the type of CLA isomer and/or their combination with other polyunsaturated fatty acids, mode of administration (eg., as free fatty acid or its triglyceride form, liquid or solid), daily dose and duration of consumption, gender, age, or ethnic and geographical backgrounds remain to be determined. Yet, it appears from trials so far conducted that CLA are functional food having prevailing beneficial health effects for humans.

Conjugated linoleic acids reduce body fat in healthy postmenopausal women

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) reduce fat mass (FM) and increase insulin sensitivity in some, but not all, murine studies. In humans, this effect is still debatable. In this study, we compared the effect of 2 CLA supplements on total and regional FM assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, changes in serum insulin and glucose concentrations, and adipose tissue (AT) gene expression in humans. In a double-blind, parallel, 16-wk intervention, we randomized 81 healthy postmenopausal women to 1) 5.5 g/d of 40/40% of cis9,trans11-CLA (c9,t11-CLA) and trans10,cis12-CLA (t10,c12-CLA) (CLA-mix); 2) cis9, trans11-CLA (c9,t11-CLA); or 3) control (olive oil). We assessed all variables before and after the intervention. The CLA-mix group had less total FM (4%) and lower-body FM (7%) than the control (P = 0.02 and < 0.001, respectively). Post hoc analyses showed that serum insulin concentrations were greater in the CLA-mix group (34%) than the control group (P = 0.02) in the highest waist circumference tertile only. AT mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4, leptin, and lipoprotein lipase was lower, whereas expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was higher in the CLA-mix group than in the control group (P < 0.04). In conclusion, a 50:50 mixture of c9,t11- and t10,c12-CLA isomers resulted in less total and lower-body FM in postmenopausal women and greater serum insulin concentrations in the highest waist circumference tertile. Future research is needed to confirm the insulin desensitizing effect of the CLA mixture and the effect on the mRNA expression of adipocyte-specific genes in humans.

Anti-obesity effects of conjugated linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid

Obesity has become a prevailing epidemic throughout the globe. Effective therapies for obesity become attracting. Food components with beneficial effects on "weight loss" have caught increasing attentions. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) belong to different families of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, they have similar effects on alleviating obesity and/or preventing from obesity. They influence the balance between energy intake and expenditure; and reduce body weight and/or fat deposition in animal models, but show little effect in healthy human subjects. They inhibit key enzymes responsible for lipid synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, enhance lipid oxidation and thermogenesis, and prevent free fatty acids from entering adipocytes for lipogenesis. PUFA also exert suppressive effects on several key factors involved in adipocyte differentiation and fat storage. Despite their similar effects and shared mechanisms, they display differences in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Moreover, DHA and EPA exhibit "anti-obesity" effect as well as improving insulin sensitivity, while CLA induces insulin resistance and fatty liver in most cases. A deeper and more detailed investigation into the complex network of anti-obesity regulatory pathways by different PUFA will improve our understanding of the mechanisms of body weight control and reduce the prevalence of obesity.

Os efeitos do ácido linoléico conjugado no metabolismo animal: avanço das pesquisas e perspectivas para o futuro

Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, sem restrição de data, sobre os efeitos fisiológicos do ácido linoléico conjugado sobre a regressão da carcinogênese, o estresse oxidativo, o metabolismo de lípides e glicose e a alteração da composição corporal. Objetivando estabelecer o aspecto histórico do avanço da pesquisa em ácido linoléico conjugado, consideraram-se artigos originais resultantes de trabalhos realizados com animais, com cultura de células e com humanos. Quanto às pesquisas sobre o efeito anticarcinogênico do ácido linoléico conjugado foram encontradas inúmeras evidências a esse respeito, especialmente na regressão dos tumores mamários e de cólon, induzida por ambos os isômeros os quais agem de maneiras distintas. Os pesquisadores se empenham em reinvestigar as propriedades antioxidantes do ácido linoléico conjugado. Embora tenham sido investigadas as propriedades antioxidantes, tem-se identificado efeito pró-oxidante, levando ao estresse oxidativo em humanos. Foram poucos os estudos que demonstraram efeito positivo significativo do ácido linoléico conjugado sobre o metabolismo dos lípides e da glicose e sobre a redução da gordura corporal, especialmente em humanos. Estudos sobre efeitos adversos foram também identificados. Há fortes indícios de que a ação deste ácido graxo conjugado sobre uma classe de fatores de transcrição - os receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomo - e sobre a conseqüente modulação da expressão gênica, possa ser a explicação fundamental dos efeitos fisiológicos. Embora incipientes, os mais recentes estudos reforçam o conceito da nutrigenômica, ou seja, a modulação da expressão gênica induzida por compostos presentes na alimentação humana. O cenário atual estimula a comunidade científica a buscar um consenso sobre os efeitos do ácido linoléico conjugado em humanos, já que este está presente naturalmente em alguns alimentos, que, quando consumidos em quantidades adequadas e de forma freqüente, poderiam atuar como coadjuvantes na prevenção e no controle de inúmeras doenças crônicas.

A diet rich in conjugated linoleic acid and butter increases lipid peroxidation but does not affect atherosclerotic, inflammatory, or diabetic risk markers in healthy young men

Intake of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been demonstrated to beneficially affect risk markers of atherosclerosis and diabetes in rats. CLA is naturally found in milk fat, especially from cows fed a diet high in oleic acid, and increased CLA intake can occur concomitantly with increased milk fat intake. Our objective was to investigate the effect of CLA as part of a diet rich in butter as a source of milk fat on risk markers of atherosclerosis, inflammation, diabetes type II, and lipid peroxidation. A total of 38 healthy young men were given a diet with 115 g/d of CLA-rich fat (5.5 g/d CLA oil, a mixture of 39.4% cis9, trans11 and 38.5% trans10, cis12) or of control fat with a low content of CLA in a 5-wk double-blind, randomized, parallel intervention study. We collected blood and urine before and after the intervention. The fatty acid composition of plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids reflected that of the intervention diets. The CLA diet resulted in increased lipid peroxidation measured as an 83% higher 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha concentration compared with the control, P < 0.0001. We observed no other significant differences in the effect of the interventions diets. In conclusion, when given as part of a diet rich in butter, a mixture of CLA isomers increased lipid peroxidation but did not affect risk markers of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, or fasting insulin and glucose concentrations.