Abstract
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, which are found preferentially in dairy products and meats. Reported data indicate to have potent beneficial effects, including antitumor, antiobese, antiatherogenic, and antidiabetic activities. The molecules have also been shown to prevent the onset of hypertension. The recent reports suggest that each isomer of CLAs has different functions, for example 10trans, 12 cis-CLA has anticarcinogenic, antiobese and anitidiabetic effects, whereas 9 cis, 11 trans-CLA exerts for anticancer effect. It is interesting to know the CLA effect on human beings. However, so far as we know, it is scarce on human data and the reported data on antiobese effect is still controversial. More detailed research on the species difference of responsiveness to dietary CLA would be required.
