Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation for 1 y reduces body fat mass in healthy overweight humans

• Published in: The American journal of clinical nutrition Vol. 79; no. 6; pp. 1118 - 1125
• Main Authors: Gaullier, J.M, Halse, J, Hoye, K, Kristiansen, K, Fagertun, H, Vik, H, Gudmundsen, O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD American Society for Clinical Nutrition 01.06.2004; American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; Acids; Adipose Tissue - drug effects; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Body Composition - drug effects; Body fat; Body Weight - drug effects; Cholesterol - blood; Diet; Dietary supplements; Double-Blind Method; Exercise; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated - administration & dosage; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Obesity - drug therapy; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Human; Conjugated linoleic acid; X ray; Fat mass; Weight; Linoleic acid; Overweight; Body mass index; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Dual energy absorptiometry; Lean body mass; Supplementation; body fat mass; humans
• ISSN: 0002-9165; 1938-3207
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/79.6.1118

Background: Short-term trials showed that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may reduce body fat mass (BFM) and increase lean body mass (LBM), but the long-term effect of CLA was not examined. Objective: The objective of the study was to ascertain the 1-y effect of CLA on body composition and safety in healthy overweight adults consuming an ad libitum diet. Design: Male and female volunteers (n = 180) with body mass indexes (in kg/m2) of 25-30 were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups: CLA-free fatty acid (FFA), CLA-triacylglycerol, or placebo (olive oil). Change in BFM, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the effects of CLA on LBM, adverse events, and safety variables. Results: Mean (+/- SD) BFM in the CLA-triacylglycerol and CLA-FFA groups was 8.7 +/- 9.1% and 6.9 +/- 9.1%, respectively, lower than that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Subjects receiving CLA-FFA had 1.8 +/- 4.3% greater LBM than did subjects receiving placebo (P = 0.002). These changes were not associated with diet or exercise. LDL increased in the CLA-FFA group (P = 0.008), HDL decreased in the CLA-triacylglycerol group (P = 0.003), and lipoprotein(a) increased in both CLA groups (P < 0.001) compared with month 0. Fasting blood glucose concentrations remained unchanged in all 3 groups. Glycated hemoglobin rose in all groups from month 0 concentrations, but there was no significant difference between groups. Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Long-term supplementation with CLA-FFA or CLA-triacylglycerol reduces BFM in healthy overweight adults.