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


METHODS
Male and female volunteers (n = 180) with body mass indexes (in kg/m(2)) 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term supplementation with CLA-FFA or CLA-triacylglycerol reduces BFM in healthy overweight adults.
Gaullier
Jean-Michel
JM
Scandinavian Clinical Research AS, Kjeller, Norway. j-m@scr.no
Halse
Johan
J
Høye
Kjetil
K
Kristiansen
Knut
K
Fagertun
Hans
H
Vik
Hogne
H
Gudmundsen
Ola
O
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*
D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; D002784:Cholesterol