ABSTRACT
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) belong to class of sterio-isomers (cis or trans) of the octadecadienoic acid, with the double bond present at alternate position in either cis or trans configuration. Lamb, beef, and milk products are a good source of CLA. It is synthesized in the mammary gland and rumen of the lactating animal from linolenic and linoleic acid by a series of isom-erization, saturation, and desaturation reactions. About 28 isomers of CLA exist naturally, of which the cis-9 trans-11 (c9t11) form is most predominant among them and is called rumenic acid, as it gets synthesized in the rumen. The ∆-desaturase system has a crucial part in the synthesis of c9t11 isomer in milk. CLA isomer mixture (1:1) in combination or the c9t11 and t10c12 isomers alone, are available commercially and are known to confer several health benefits. Both of these isomers have the biological potential to improve various cellular functions, body composition, and metabolism and also, proved to have impending anti-adipogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and osteogenic effects. CLA also improves the immune functions of the body. These physiological effects of CLA have been studied in various in vitro and in vivo models and also, many clinical experiments. Some data is also reported from human studies. All these evidences clearly prove that either the individual isomers of CLA, i.e., c9t11 and t10c12 or 146a combination thereof, can be used as a protective and effective remedy in improving human health.
