Conjugated Linoleic Acid Introduction   Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is not a single substance.  However, it is classified as an omega-6 essential fatty acid, existing as an isomer of linoleic acid.  The structure of CLA is very similar to that of linoleic acid, except that it has two double bonds separated by a single bond.  Because Conjugated linoleic acid has two double bonds, it is able to have several different isomers.  The most important isomers include; cis-9, cis-12, trans-10, and the trans-11 isomers.  The formation of each isomer is dependant upon the location of the double bonds and the relationship in the space of the arranged molecules.   Conjugated linoleic acid is produced naturally in the rumen of animals by the bacterial metabolism of both linoleic and linolenic acids.  Animal sources and dairy products represent the greatest source of conjugated linoleic acid.  Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an Omega-3 essential fatty acid that is found in the fatty acid fraction of some plant seed oils, including those of flax, borage, and hemp.  GLA may provide certain antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory actions.    Conjugated linoleic acid is readily absorbed by the small intestine.  Its exact mechanism of action is not clearly understood.  Being a fatty acid, it may have a role in the prostaglandin pathways similar to other fatty acids.   Most of what is known about Conjugated linoleic acid comes from in vivo animal and in vitro studies.  Because of the promising results yielded by such studies, human research is currently being carried out.  These trials will be able to provide more concrete information about the mechanisms of action regarding CLA, within the human body.   To date, Conjugated linoleic acid is believed to possess anti-carcinogenic activity.  It has shown benefit for breast, colon, prostate, lung, and melanoma cancers. [1]  It has been equally effective as a modulator of carcinogenesis at the stages of initiation, promotion, and progression.  Conjugated linoleic acid also has the ability to cause or promote cell death (apoptosis).   Conjugated linoleic acid is also thought to possess certain anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties.  This nutrient may also be able to decrease the total percentage of body fat, while promoting increases in lean muscle mass. Conjugated linoleic acid may provide an effective, adjunctive treatment for certain cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.     Conjugated Linoleic Acid Food Sources   Conjugated linoleic acid can be found in the meats of ruminant animals, such as sheep and cows.  It is also found in poultry, eggs, and dairy products that have undergone specialized heat treatment.  Safflower and sunflower oil are often processed to also contain varying amounts of CLA. [2]  Conjugated linoleic acid is also found in the milk fats of certain mammals.   Most of the abovementioned food sources cannot provide sufficient amounts of Conjugated linoleic acid, necessary for achieving therapeutic benefit.  This is largely the result of the shift in livestock care.  Elevated Conjugated linoleic acid are typical in those animals fed on grasses, not on grains.  It is believed that up to 75% of the Conjugated linoleic acid is lost by feeding grain instead of grass.   The most reliable and abundant sources of Conjugated linoleic acids are found in nutritional/dietary supplements.     Conjugated Linoleic Acid Uses   Conjugated linoleic acid has been extensively researched for its potential anti-cancer effects.  t has been shown to be anti-neoplastic and pro-apoptotic towards most cancer cell lines, excluding mammary cancer.  CLA is also effective against the  increasing stages or severities of malignancy. [3]  It was far superior to linoleic acid in its ability to prevent the progression of certain cancers, as well as with promoting cancer cell death.   CLA may provide a useful adjunctive treatment for breast cancer. [4]  In study, Conjugated linoleic acid has exhibited certain anti-estrogenic properties and has also been effective against the spread of estrogen positive breast cancer cells. [5]  CLA was shown to block estrogen signals, which are responsible for the proliferation of the cancer.   Conjugated linoleic acid has also shown some benefit in bladder cancer.  In vitro studies suggest that Conjugated linoleic acid may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the bladder, while also inducing cell death. [6] Prostate cancer is another cancer positively affected by CLA, in vitro.  Several different isomers of Conjugated linoleic acid have been effective at halting the cell cycle in cancerous prostate cells and also furthering apoptosis. [7] In addition to cancer treatment, Conjugated linoleic acid may also be useful in treatment protocols for cardiovascular diseases at large.  It has been shown to decrease the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs).  LDL is also known as the bad cholesterol.  Conjugated linoleic acid can also provide substantial increases in high-density lipoproteins, or HDLs.  HDL is referenced as the good form of cholesterol. [8]   By altering the lipid metabolism and having positive effects on total cholesterol levels, Conjugated linoleic acid may prove to be an effective treatment, and possibly preventative supplement, against the development of atherosclerosis.  Conjugated linoleic acid is purported to reduce early plaque formations, common in the development of atherosclerosis. [9] Conjugated linoleic acid may also be a practical adjunctive treatment for Type II diabetes mellitus.  It has been proven effective at altering the lipid metabolism of non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients by lowering LDL levels and providing increases in HDL serum levels. [10]  In study, CLA has also been shown to increase sensitivity to insulin in the tissues, which may provide long-term reductions in the elevated blood sugar levels often exhibited in persons suffering from this condition. [11] CLA also impacts the overall metabolism of glucose and fatty acids in the body.  This may be especially relevant to diabetics, as decreased levels of triglyceride accumulation in the liver are paralleled with lessening one's risk of developing heart disease. [12]  In the referenced study, body fat deposition was also reduced as a direct result of Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation.   Conjugated Linoleic Acid Dosages   The standard dosage, recommended and used in various clinical trials, remains at 1 - 2 grams of conjugated linoleic acid per day.  Dosages up to 6 grams per day have been used with no side effects. [13]     Conjugated Linoleic Acid Toxicities and Deficiencies   There are no known toxicities or interactions regarding the past administration of CLA in or out of study. Ongoing research continues to further understand the many physiological benefits associated with Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation.  By market standards, CLA-containing supplements are still considered newly marketed supplements.  In fact, human studies are just beginning after promising results in initial animal and in vitro studies.  It is certain that more information concerning the mechanisms and interactions in human subjects will be made available within the next several years. Until that time, it is advised to contact your physician and inform him/her of any supplements you may be using to insure personal safety.   Because of the lipid lowering effect of Conjugated linoleic acid, there is a potential for additive effects in individuals who are taking a lipid lowering medication for elevated cholesterol levels.     Conjugated Linoleic Acid Products   The following table lists various products that contain a safe and reliable source of Conjugated Linoleic Acid:   Manufacturer Ingredient Amount US RDA Learn More NSI Tonalin XS-CLA -- 1g 1000mg -- Click Here GNC Conjugated Linoleic Acid 1000mg -- Click Here EAS Conjugated Linoleic Acid 1500mg -- Click Here

Search by Health Condition: --- Select a Condition --- Acid Reflux Acne AIDS and HIV Aging Allergies Alzheimers Anemia Angina Arthritis (OA) Arthritis (RA) Asthma ADHD Autism Bad Breath Breast Cancer Burns Candidiasis Carpal Tunnel Celiac Disease Cellulitis Cerebral Palsy Cervical Dysplasia Cholesterol Chronic Bronchitis CFS Cognitive Function Colds and Flu Cold Sores CHF Constipation Chronic Cough Crohns Disease Cystic Fibrosis Depression Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diarrhea Diverticular Disease Downs Syndrome Eating Disorders Eczema Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Erectile Dysfunction Fatigue Fibroids Fibromyalgia FLU Gallstones Glaucoma Gout Halitosis Hair Loss Heartburn Hemorrhoids Herpes Simplex Herpes Zoster Hyperlipidemia Hypertension Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism Impotence Influenza Insomnia IBS Kidney Stones Liver Disease Lupus Macular Degeneration Menopause Migraines Mononucleosis Multiple Sclerosis Obesity Ocular Health Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Otitis Media Pancreatitis Pain Parkinsons PID PUD Periodontal Disease PMS Pneumonia Prostate Health Psoriasis Raynauds disease RLS RA SAD Shingles Sinusitis Stress TMJD Tuberculosis Ulcerative Colitis UTI Vaginitis Varicose veins Vertigo Vitiligo Search by Supplement: --- Select a Supplement--- 5-HTP ALC Alanine Aloe Vera Alpha GPC ALA American Ginseng Amino Acids Androstenedione Arabinoxylane Arginine Arnica Artichoke Ashwagandha Asparagine Aspartic Acid Astragalus Bacopa Barberry Bee Pollen Bee Propolis Beta Glucan Beta Carotene Betaine HCL Bifidobacterium Bilberry Biotin Bitter Melon Black Cohosh Bladderwrack Boron Boswellia BCAAs Brewers Yeast Bromelain Burdock Calcium Calendula Carnosine Cartilage Cascara Sagrada Cats Claw Cayenne CMO Chamomile Chasteberry Chitosan Chloride Choline Chondroitin Chromium Citrulline Coenzyme Q10 Coleus Colostrum Comfrey CLA Copper Cordyceps Cranberry Creatine Cyclo Cysteine Cystine Dandelion Leaf Dandelion Root Deer Antler Velvet DHEA Devils Claw Digestive Enzymes DMAE DMG DHA Dong Quai Echinacea EPA Elder Eleuthero English Ivy Ephedra Eucalyptus Evening Primrose Feverfew Fiber Fish Oil Flaxseed Fluoride Folic Acid FOS GABA GLA Gamma oryzanol Garcinia Garlic Ginger Gingko Glucosamine Glutamic Acid Glutamine Glutathione Glycine Goldenseal Gotu Kola Grapefruit Seed Grape Seed Extract Green Tea Guggul Gymnema Hawthorn Histidine Hops Horse Chestnut Horsetail Huperzine A Inositol Iodine Iron Isoleucine Kava Lactobacillus Acidophilus Larch Arabinogalactan L-Carnitine L Dopa Lemon Balm Leucine Lecithin Licorice Lutein Lycopene Lysine Magnesium Malic acid Manganese Mastic Melatonin Methionine MSM Milk Thistle Minerals Molybdenum NAC NADH Noni Olive Leaf Omega 3 Omega 6 Oregano Panax ginseng Passion Flower Pau Darco Peppermint Oil Phellodendron Phenylalanine Phosphatidylcholine Phosphatidylserine Phosphorus Phyllanthus Picrorrhiza Policosanol Potassium Proline Psyllium Pygeum Pyruvate Quercetin Red Clover Reshi Rhodiola Rosacea SAM-E Saw Palmetto Schisandra Selenium Serine Shiitake Silicon Sodium Soy Isoflavones Spirulina Sterols Stinging Nettle St Johns Wort Sulfur Taurine Tea Tree Oil Theanine Threonine Tocotrienols Tryptophan Turmeric Tylophora Tyrosine Uva Ursi Valerian Valine Vanadium Vinpocetine Vitamin A Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Yarrow Zeaxanthin Zinc Subscribe to our Newsletter:   Free health information emailed to you daily.   Name: Email: Sponsors:

Copyright  - All Rights Reserved - www.supplementnews.org DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this page should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Recommended Resources | Link to Us | Health Blog