Supplementation with Conjugated Linoleic acid on Body Composition

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is defined as isomers of linoleic acid group (18:2), which is an essential fatty acid. It seems CLA supplementation reduced body weight and fat mass. The aim of the present study was to investigate the supplementation with CLA on body composition. We used PubMed and SID search engine to articles which were contained the following keywords: Conjugated linoleic acid+ Body composition, Adipose tissue +Lean Body mass+ BMI+Obesity, Weight retention and free fatty acid. After search, 22 articles were recruited and reviewed. Several studies have shown that CLA supplementation reduced body weight and fat mass in the short term in humans and Long-term effects of CLA supplementation on body composition are inconsistent. Previous studies were diverted on body composition, dosage of CLA, the period of study, participants, physical activity, body mass index (normal, overweight and obesity in different degrees), age group, number of participants, Capsules acceptance and type of CLA isomers. It seems c12, t10isomer caused a better change in body composition. The results of clinical studies on the effects of CLA on weight and body composition are inconsistent. For see better effect of CLA supplementation on body composition, long-term studies are needed.