Conjugated linoleic acid: implications for human health.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is being sold as a panacea that has the capability of reducing or eliminating cancer, preventing heart disease, improving immune function, and altering body composition to treat obesity or build lean body mass. Unfortunately, there has been very little published human research on CLA. This review will examine the literature on CLA and discuss the animal research on which the above claims are made. The limited human studies will be presented with an evaluation of the potential uses of CLA for human health and disease. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.