Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) does not cause weight loss according to a review of 21 studies

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Saturday, January 29, 2011 5:53 am Email this article
"[T]here is not enough evidence to show that conjugated linoleic acid [CLA] has an effect on weight and body composition in humans," notes a recent review of 21 studies of CLA involving a total of 852 people. Studies Duration

Studies Duration: One month to one year

The studies lasted from one month to one year.

 

Doses Used

Doses Used: 0.7 to 6.8 grams per day

The doses used in the studies varied from 0.7 to 6.8 grams per day.

 

Conclusion #1

Conclusion #1: There is not evidence to show that CLA affects body weight or body composition

“After analyzing the few studies published to date in reduced samples of healthy humans or patients with overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes, we deduce that there is not enough evidence to show that conjugated linoleic acid has an effect on weight and body composition in humans,” the authors of the review paper concluded.

 

Conclusion #2

Conclusion #2: Some studies showed that CLA had an ADVERSE effects on HDL, Lp(a), glucose metabolism, lipid oxidation, inflammation, or endothelial function

“However, some of these studies have observed that the administration of various CLA isomers has adverse effects on lipid profile (it decreases HDL cholesterol concentration and increases Lp(a) circulating levels), glucose metabolism (glycemia, insulinemia or insulin sensitivity), lipid oxidation, inflammation, or endothelial function,” the authors continued.

“Therefore, long-term randomized clinical trials, controlled with placebo, need to be made in large samples of patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CLA isomers before its indiscriminate use in human beings can be recommended.”

REFERENCE

Salas-Salvado J, Marquez-Sandoval F, Bullo M. Conjugated linoleic acid intake in humans: A systematic review focusing on its effect on body composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006, 46(6):479-88.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

J. Salas-Salvado
Departament de Bioquimica i Biotecnologia
Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut de Reus, Spain
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Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)