Clinical trial results support a preference for using CLA preparations enriched with two isomers rather than four isomers in human studies.

CLA mixtures are now commercially available. They differ from each other with respect to their content of CLA isomers and their degree of purification. As a group of natural FA, CLA have been widely assumed to be safe. However, the suspected presence of both impurities and particular isomers might induce undesirable side effects. Despite this potential health risk, only a few CLA preparations have been tested under rigorous conditions for clinical efficacy and safety. Based on the limited results available, it is possible to suggest that preparations enriched in c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers are preferable for human consumption compared to preparations containing four isomers, in terms both of safety and efficacy.