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Conjugated linoleic acid: implications for human health
L D Whigham1, M E Cook, R L Atkinson
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
Pharmacological Research
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements are marketed for numerous health benefits, but human research is scarce. This review examines animal studies supporting CLA claims and evaluates limited human data for health and disease applications.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Human Health Research
- Dietary Supplements
Background:
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a popular dietary supplement.
- CLA is marketed with claims for cancer prevention, heart health, immune function, and body composition.
- Significant gaps exist in human clinical research for CLA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
- To analyze animal research underpinning health claims associated with CLA.
- To evaluate the limited human studies on CLA's efficacy for health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CLA studies.
- Examination of animal research data.
- Analysis of available human clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Extensive animal research supports CLA's purported benefits.
- Published human studies on CLA are very limited.
- Evidence for CLA's efficacy in humans remains inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- The widespread health claims for CLA are largely based on animal data.
- More rigorous human research is necessary to validate CLA's benefits.
- The potential therapeutic applications of CLA in human health require further investigation.