Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and its relationship with cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors
Funck, Lícia.Groff.; Barrera-Arellano, D.; Block, J.Mara.
Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutricion 56(2): 123-134
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0622 PMID: 17024956 Document Number: 599007
The term CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) corresponds to a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, of which 2 (9/c/, 11/t/ and 10/t/, 12/c/) have biological activity. This review covers aspects related to CLA, including sources, synthesis, distribution in human tissues, physiological activity, as well as its relationship with cardiovascular diseases. Most studies attribute the beneficial effects associated to the consumption of CLA to the reduction of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as the reduction of plasma triacylglycerols and cholesterol. Other research demonstrates the reduction of atherosclerotic processes. However, many studies indicate that CLA does not present beneficial effects or may even present negative effects. Thus, although there are a great number of studies related to CLA, it may be premature to make any recommendation for the ingestion of these compounds, apart from those naturally present in a healthy diet.