Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), is a naturally occurring free fatty acid found mainly in meat and dairy products.
Protection against cancer: Most of the evidence investigating the effects of CLAs on breast as well as skin, liver and colon cancers has, Although clinical studies are limited, recent work has found that a low risk of breast cancer is associated with high intakes of CLAs, high consumption of cheese and high blood levels of CLAs.
Diabetes: The incidence of type II diabetes (the type of diabetes normally associated with overweight) in Europe is increasing dramatically. There is some evidence that CLAs have the ability to normalize glucose metabolism. Although the research is far from conclusive, further work is encouraged.
Body composition: CLAs have been shown to alter body composition in growing mice, causing an increase in energy expended, increased body muscle and reduced body fat. Similar effects in humans have not been demonstrated and much more work needs to be carried out.