Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Its Effects

Nowadays, there are many studies carried out in laboratory animals and humans which show that conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat.

Conjugated linoleic acid is a slightly modified essential fatty acid.  This characteristic gives it a series of healthy effects for the organism, especially in the regulation of appetite.

Despite this, it is also credited with many properties that are not fully proven. It is therefore necessary to carry out an adequate assessment of its safety for consumers. Otherwise, side effects may appear in the long term.

The health effects of conjugated linoleic acid

The interest in conjugated linoleic acid in recent years  is due to its beneficial properties in the cardiovascular field. As well as its anticarcinogenic effect.

Here are also other favorable properties related to this component:

• Modulation of the immune system
• Antidiabetic action
• Improved bone mineralization
• Reduction of body fat

Now let’s take a closer look at the effects of conjugated linoleic acid.

Lipid-lowering and anti-teratogenic effects

These 2 effects have been studied in animals. The anti-teratogenic effect, which prevents affections of the fetus in pregnant women, seems to be due to its hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic action.

Some authors have hypothesized that the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on lipid metabolism  could be measured by the activation of transcription factors.

Antidiabetic effect of conjugated linoleic acid

Regarding the effect on the disease of diabetes, several animal studies have shown that conjugated linoleic acid  exerts similar activity to certain drugs that work against this condition.

Clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes who received conjugated linoleic acid show that it causes a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar,  leptin, body mass index and weight.

Anti-adipogenic effect

Nowadays, there are many studies in laboratory animals and humans which  prove that this fatty acid reduces body fat.

This weight loss opens the door to possible commercial exploitation of this substance as a useful product in the prevention and treatment of obesity.

However,  in humans, this effect presents a number of controversies. Because, when administered to non-obese individuals, no change is observed in body fat.

In addition, the action of conjugated linoleic acid on the amount of body fat  seems to be explained by a change in the energy balance.  It is possible that this acid reduces the absorption of food, increases energy intake. Sometimes it can even produce both phenomena at the same time.

Conjugated linoleic acid improves the immune system

This is a property that was recently discovered. There are therefore no studies to back it up. In addition, it has been observed that this substance  increases certain immunoglobulins. These are cells that identify foreign substances or antigens.

Therefore, these results have provided insight into  the usefulness of this fatty acid in the prevention and treatment of certain food allergies.

Anticarcinogenic effect

This property is one of the best studied. Not only are there experimental studies on animals, but also on humans. As in the context of research on the anti-adipogenic effect.

The results obtained in connection with the prevention of breast cancer are superior  if we compare this essential fatty acid with other similar components.

Its antioxidant property, increased immune response, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, as well as increased apoptosis (cell death), could be the mechanisms of the antitumor effect.

Properties on bone mineralization

Finally, there are also studies that  highlight the possible usefulness of this substance in sarcopenia and osteoporosis. It also exerts its function on the  articular cartilage.

In short, if research on humans confirms preliminary results obtained in animals,  we would be facing a new use for conjugated linoleic acid.  However, studies on humans have yet to be done to confirm this property.

Conclusion

Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a substance that  offers a great deal of benefit to the body. However, many of its properties are still the subject of research.

It is important to remember that this fatty acid should not be used as a substitute for a treatment established by the doctor. Before taking this supplement, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Because misuse can have serious consequences.