[Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and its relationship with cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors].
The term CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) corresponds to a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, of which two (9/c/, 11/t/ and 10/t/, 12/c/) have biological activity. This review covers aspects related to CLA (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 plasmatic 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, we consider it premature to make any recommendation for the ingestion of these compounds, apart from those naturally present in a healthy diet.
Funck
Letícia Groff
LG
Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos (CAL), CCA, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil.
Barrera-Arellano
Daniel
D
Block
Jane Mara
JM
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D005504:Food Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007536:Isomerism; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000502:physiology; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D004041:Dietary Fats; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol