Perspective on the safety and effectiveness of conjugated linoleic acid.

The amount of scientific literature on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is growing at a phenomenal rate. Animal studies and clinical trials indicate the possibility that CLA could be useful in improving human health in a number of areas, eg, controlling body fat gain and enhancing immunity while also reducing inflammation and other adverse effects typically associated with immune enhancement. The background of this growing research field and mechanistic insights from animal and cell culture experiments are briefly reviewed. Experimental and clinical data relating to the safety and effectiveness of CLA in humans are presented and discussed.