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Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Introduction
Conjugated linoleic acid Is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in food products. It has been used to lower body fat. It can be taken as a pill or oil.
Dosages
3 to 5 grams once daily
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) —may regulate appetite and improve nutritional statusA1
- High Blood Pressure —may reduce blood pressure when used with standard treatmentB1
- Obesity —may lower body fat and improve symptomsD1-D6
- Rheumatoid arthritis —may ease pain E1
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease C1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at
EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at
EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take conjugated linoleic acid, but constipation and diarrhea may occur. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
A
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
A1
Ghobadi H, Matin S, et al. The effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on the nutritional status of COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;31(11):2711-2720.
Ghobadi H, Matin S, et al. The effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on the nutritional status of COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;31(11):2711-2720.
B
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure
B1
Zhao WS, Zhai JJ, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation enhances antihypertensive effects of rampiril in Chinese patients with obesity-related hypertension. Am J Hypertens. 2009;22(6):680-686.
Zhao WS, Zhai JJ, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation enhances antihypertensive effects of rampiril in Chinese patients with obesity-related hypertension. Am J Hypertens. 2009;22(6):680-686.
C
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
C1
Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Jamali H, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid improves glycemic response, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Croat Med J. 2016 Aug 31;57(4):331-342.
Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Jamali H, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid improves glycemic response, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Croat Med J. 2016 Aug 31;57(4):331-342.
D
Obesity
Obesity
D1
Whigham LD, Watras AC, et al. Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203-11.
Whigham LD, Watras AC, et al. Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1203-11.
D2
Raff M, Tholstrup T, et al. Conjugated linoleic acids reduce body fat in healthy postmenopausal women. J Nutr. 2009 Jul;139(7):1347-1352.
Raff M, Tholstrup T, et al. Conjugated linoleic acids reduce body fat in healthy postmenopausal women. J Nutr. 2009 Jul;139(7):1347-1352.
D3
Norris LE, Collene AL, et al. Comparison of dietary conjugated linoleic acid with safflower oil on body composition in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):468-476.
Norris LE, Collene AL, et al. Comparison of dietary conjugated linoleic acid with safflower oil on body composition in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):468-476.
D4
Chen SC, Lin YH, et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on weight loss and body fat composition in a Chinese population. Nutrition. 2012;28(5):559-565.
Chen SC, Lin YH, et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on weight loss and body fat composition in a Chinese population. Nutrition. 2012;28(5):559-565.
D5
López-Plaza B, Bermejo LM, et al. Effects of milk supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on weight control and body composition in healthy overweight people. Nutr Hosp. 2013 Nov 1;28(6):2090-2098.
López-Plaza B, Bermejo LM, et al. Effects of milk supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on weight control and body composition in healthy overweight people. Nutr Hosp. 2013 Nov 1;28(6):2090-2098.
D6
Mądry E, Chudzicka-Strugała I, et al. Twelve weeks CLA supplementation decreases the hip circumference in overweight and obese women. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2016 Jan-Mar;15(1):107-113.
Mądry E, Chudzicka-Strugała I, et al. Twelve weeks CLA supplementation decreases the hip circumference in overweight and obese women. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2016 Jan-Mar;15(1):107-113.
E
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
E1
Aryaeian N, Shahram F, et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on the clinical outcome of Iranian adults with active rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2009 Apr;12(1):20-28.
Aryaeian N, Shahram F, et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on the clinical outcome of Iranian adults with active rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2009 Apr;12(1):20-28.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
- Review Date: 02/2020
- Update Date: 06/22/2020