Effect of incremental levels of sunflower-seed oil in the diet on ruminal lipid metabolism in lactating cows

Based on the potential benefits of cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for human health there is interest in developing sustainable nutritional strategies for enhancing the concentration of this fatty acid in ruminant-derived foods. Most evidence to date suggests that endogenous synthesis is the major source of cis-9, trans-11 in milk fat and ruminal outflow is limited and largely independent of dietary 18 : 2n-6 supply. Four lactating cows fitted with a rumen cannula were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with 14 d experimental periods to examine the effects of sunflower-seed oil (SFO) as a source of 18 : 2n-6 on ruminal lipid metabolism. Cows were offered grass silage-based diets supplemented with 0, 250, 500 or 750 g SFO/d. Supplements of SFO had no effect on DM intake, milk fat or protein secretion, but increased linearly (P < 0.01) milk yield and milk lactose output and shifted (P < 0.001) rumen fermentation towards propionate at the expense of acetate. SFO supplements increased linearly (P < 0.05) the flow of 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 2n-6 and total CLA at the omasum and enhanced ruminal cis-9-18 : 1, 18 : 2n-6 and 18 : 3n-3 metabolism. Flows of all-trans- (Delta4-16) and cis- (Delta9-16) 18 : 1 isomers were elevated, while increases in ruminal CLA outflow were confined to trans-8, trans-10 and geometric 9,11 and 10,12 isomers. It is concluded that supplementing grass silage-based diets with plant oils rich in 18 : 2n-6 enhances ruminal outflow of trans-11-18 : 1 and cis-9, trans-11-CLA in lactating cows.     

Transfer of absorbed cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid into milk is biologically more efficient than endogenous synthesis from absorbed vaccenic acid in lactating cows

Cis-9, trans-11, the major isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in bovine milk fat, is derived from ruminal biohydrogenation of 18:2 (n-6) and endogenous conversion of trans-11 18:1 (vaccenic acid; VA) in the mammary gland. Most evidence to date suggests that endogenous synthesis is the major source of cis-9, trans-11 CLA, but the extent of VA desaturation is less well defined. Four lactating cows were used in consecutive 4 x 4 Latin squares to examine changes in milk fatty acid composition and secretion in response to abomasal infusions of lipid supplements enriched with cis-9, trans-11 CLA (88.8%) or VA (29.4%). Treatments were infused over 4-d, followed by a 3-d washout, during 7 d experimental periods and administered to deliver 0, 3, 6, and 12 g cis-9, trans-11 CLA/d (Expt. 1) or 0, 7.5, 15 and 30 g VA/d (Expt. 2). Infusions of cis-9, trans-11 CLA increased linearly milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentrations from 0.68 to 1.46 g/100 g fatty acids. Abomasal infusions of VA increased linearly milk VA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA content from 1.22 to 2.72 and 0.61 to 1.24 g/100 g fatty acids, respectively. Changes in milk fatty acid secretion indicated that 28.9% of VA was converted to cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Results provide evidence that conversion by Delta9-desaturase to cis-9, trans-11 CLA in the lactating cow is independent of postruminal VA supply. In conclusion, endogenous synthesis via VA was equivalent to approximately 21% of the response to increases in cis-9, trans-11 CLA available for absorption.     

Milk fat synthesis in dairy cows is progressively reduced by increasing supplemental amounts of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements containing a variety of isomers reduce milk fat yield. We have recently identified trans-10, cis-12 CLA as the isomer responsible for inhibiting milk fat synthesis in dairy cows. Our objectives were to determine milk fat yield and fatty acid composition responses to different doses of trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 4) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of a 5-d abomasal infusion of four doses of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, i.e., 0.0, 3.5, 7.0 and 14.0 g/d. Milk fat yield was decreased 25, 33, and 50%, and milk fat concentration was reduced 24, 37 and 46% when cows received 3.5, 7.0 and 14.0 g/d of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, respectively. Feed intake, milk yield, and milk protein content and yield were unaffected by treatment. Milk fatty acid composition revealed that de novo synthesized fatty acids (short and medium chain) were extensively reduced when cows received the two highest doses, but at the low dose (3.5 g/d), decreases in de novo synthesized fatty acids and preformed fatty acids were similar. Changes in milk fatty acid composition also demonstrated that (9)-desaturase activity was inhibited at the two high doses of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, but was unaffected by the low dose. Results indicate minimal quantities of trans-10, cis-12 CLA (0.016% of dietary dry matter) markedly inhibited milk fat synthesis (25% reduction) and that a curvilinear reduction in milk fat yield occurred with increasing quantities of trans-10, cis-12 CLA.     

Effect of calcium salts of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acids containing trans-10, cis-12 in the diet on milk fat synthesis in goats

Dietary supplements of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) containing trans-10, cis-12 CLA decrease milk fat secretion in the lactating cow and sheep, but their effects on mammary lipogenesis in the goat are less well defined. Eight lactating goats were used in two 4 x 4 Latin-square experiments with 14 d experimental periods to examine the effects of calcium salts of CLA methyl esters (CaCLA) containing trans-10, cis-12 on milk fat synthesis. Experimental treatments consisted of incremental inclusion of 0, 30, 60 or 90 g of CaCLA/d (corresponding to 7.47, 14.9 and 22.4 g/d of trans-10, cis-12 CLA) offered during the first 10 d of each experimental period that replaced maize grain in concentrates (Experiment 1) or calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids (Experiment 2). Relative to the control, inclusion of 30, 60 or 90 g CaCLA/d in the diet reduced milk fat yield by 19.8, 27.9 and 32.3 % and 17.5, 39.0 and 49.3 % in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Decreases in milk fat were due to reductions in the secretion of fatty acids synthesised de novo rather than the uptake of fatty acids from the peripheral circulation. Indirect comparisons with the studies in the lactating cow indicated a lower efficacy of CaCLA supplements on mammary lipogenesis in the goat. In conclusion, CaCLA in the diet inhibits milk fat synthesis in the goat, responses that are dependent on the supply of dietary fatty acids, with evidence that the caprine is less sensitive to the anti-lipogenic effects of trans-10, cis-12 CLA compared with the bovine or ovine.     

Mammary lipogenic enzyme activity, trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids are altered in lactating dairy cows fed a milk fat-depressing diet

The objectives of the present study were to examine the effect of a milk fat-depressing (MFD) diet on: 1) the activity of mammary acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), 2) ACC mRNA relative abundance and 3) distributions of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and trans-18:1 fatty acids (tFA) in milk fat. Twelve lactating Holstein cows were used in a single reversal design. Two diets were fed: a control diet (60:40% forage/concentrate) and an MFD diet (25:70% forage/concentrate, supplemented with 5% soybean oil). The MFD diet decreased (P: < 0 0.001) milk fat by 43% and ACC and FAS activity by 61 and 44%, respectively. A reduced ACC mRNA relative abundance (P: < 0.001) corresponded with the lower ACC activity. The fatty acids synthesized de novo were decreased (P: < 0. 002), whereas tFA were increased from 1.9 to 15.6% due predominantly to a change in trans-10-18:1 isomer (P: < 0.001). With the MFD diet, the trans-7, cis-9 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers were elevated (P: < 0.001), in contrast to the decrease in trans-11-18:1 (P: < 0. 001) and cis-9, trans-11-18:2. The data were consistent with a dietary effect on mammary de novo FA synthesis mediated through a reduction in ACC and FAS activity and in ACC mRNA abundance. The results were compatible with a role of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in milk fat depression, but alterations noted in tFA and other CLA isomers suggest that they also may be important during diet-induced milk fat depression.     

Conjugated linoleic acid is synthesized endogenously in lactating dairy cows by Delta(9)-desaturase

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring anticarcinogen found in milk fat and body fat of ruminants. Although CLA is an intermediate in ruminal biohydrogenation of linoleic acid, we hypothesized that its primary source was from endogenous synthesis. This would involve Delta(9)-desaturase and synthesis from trans-11 18:1, another intermediate in ruminal biohydrogenation. Our first experiment supplied lactating cows (n = 3) with trans-11 18:1 by abomasal infusion and examined the potential for endogenous synthesis by measuring changes in milk fat CLA. By d 3, infusion of trans-11 18:1 resulted in a 31% increase in concentration of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat, demonstrating that an active pathway for endogenous synthesis of CLA exists. Our second experiment examined the quantitative importance of endogenous synthesis of CLA in lactating cows (n = 3) by abomasally infusing a putative stimulator (retinol palmitate) or an inhibitor (sterculic oil) of Delta(9)-desaturase. Infusion of retinol palmitate had no influence on milk fatty acid desaturation, and yield of CLA in milk fat was not altered. However, sterculic oil infusion decreased the concentration of CLA in milk fat by 45%. Consistent with Delta(9)-desaturase inhibition, the sterculic oil treatment also altered the milk fat concentration of other Delta(9)-desaturase products as indicated by the two- to threefold increase in the ratios of 14:0 to 14:1(,) 16:0 to 16:1 and 18:0 to cis-18:1. Using changes in the ratio of 14:0 to 14:1 as an indication of the extent of Delta(9)-desaturase inhibition with the sterculic oil treatment, an estimated 64% of the CLA in milk fat was of endogenous origin. Overall, results demonstrate that endogenous synthesis of CLA from trans-11 18:1 represented the primary source of CLA in milk fat of lactating cows.     

Effect of the level and type of starchy concentrate on tissue lipid metabolism, gene expression and milk fatty acid secretion in Alpine goats receiving a diet rich in sunflower-seed oil

The potential benefits on human health have prompted an interest in developing nutritional strategies for reducing saturated and increasing specific unsaturated fatty acids (FA) in ruminant milk. The impact of the level and type of starchy concentrate added to diets supplemented with sunflower-seed oil on caprine milk FA composition and on mammary, omental and perirenal adipose, and liver lipid metabolism was examined in fourteen Alpine goats in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21 d experimental periods. Treatments were a grass hay-based diet with a high level of forage (F) or a high level of concentrate with either maize grain (CM) or flattened wheat (CW) as source of starch and supplemented with 130 g/d sunflower-seed oil. Milk yield was enhanced (P<0·01) and milk fat content was decreased on the CM and CW diets compared with the F diet, resulting in similar milk fat secretion. Both high-concentrate diets increased (P<0·05) milk yield of 10 : 0-16 : 0 and decreased trans-9,11-18 : 1 and cis-9, trans-11-18 : 2. The CW diet decreased (P<0·05) the output of ΣC18 and Σcis-18 : 1 and increased (P<0·05) the output of trans-10-18 : 1 in milk. The expression and/or activity of fourteen proteins involved in the major lipogenic pathways in mammary tissues and of lipogenic genes in adipose and liver tissues were similar among treatments. In conclusion, high starch concentrates alter milk FA yield via mechanisms independent of changes in mammary, liver or adipose tissue lipogenic gene expression. Furthermore, data provided indications that mammary lipogenic responses to starch-rich diets differ between caprine and bovine ruminants.     

Trans-10 octadecenoic acid does not reduce milk fat synthesis in dairy cows

Diet-induced milk fat depression (MFD) involves the interrelation between rumen fermentation and mammary synthesis of milk fat, and the reduction in milk fat coincides with a marked increase in the trans-10 18:1 content of milk fat. Our objective was to directly examine the effect of trans-10 18:1 on milk fat synthesis in dairy cows. Three mid-lactation cows were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design; treatments were abomasal infusion of: 1) ethanol (control); 2) trans-10 18:1 (t10); and 3) trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; positive control). The t10 and CLA supplements (>90% purity) were infused for 4 d and provided 42.6 and 4.3 g/d of trans-10 18:1 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA, respectively. Milk yield, feed intake, milk protein, and milk lactose were unaffected by treatment. Compared with the control, the t10 treatment had no effect on milk fat synthesis, whereas the CLA treatment resulted in a 27 and 24% reduction in milk fat content and yield, respectively. The transfer efficiency of the abomasally infused trans-10 18:1 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA into milk fat was 15 +/- 1 and 23 +/- 5% (means +/- SD), respectively. Overall, trans-10 18:1 had no effect on milk fat synthesis when abomasally infused at approximately 43 g/d, although it was taken up by the mammary glands and incorporated into milk fat. Therefore, our results offer no support for the concept that changes in rumen production of trans-10 18:1 within the physiological range play a role in the regulation of fatty acid synthesis during diet-induced MFD.     

Fatty acid profile and proliferation of bovine blood mononuclear cells after conjugated linoleic acid supplementation

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are in focus of dairy cattle research because of its milk fat reducing effects. Little is known about the impact of CLA on immune function in dairy cows. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of a long term supplementation of dairy cows with CLA on the fatty acid profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and their proliferation ex vivo. RESULTS: The supplementation of dairy cows with either 100 g/d of a control fat preparation (CON,n = 15), 50 g/d of the control fat preparation and 50 g/d CLA supplement - containing 12.0 % cis-9,trans-11 and 11.9 % trans-10,cis-12 CLA of total fatty acid methyl esters - (CLA-50, n = 15) or 100 g/d of the CLA supplement (CLA-100, n = 16) did not influence the major fatty acids (C18:0, C16:0, cis-9 C18:1, cis-9,cis-12 C18:2, cis-5,cis-8,cis-11,cis-14 C20:4) in the lipid fraction of PBMC. The proportion of trans-10,cis-12 CLA of total fatty acids was increased in both CLA supplemented groups, but there was no effect on the cis-9,trans-11 isomer. Furthermore, the proportion of trans-9 C18:1 and cis-12 C24:1 was reduced in the CLA-100 group. The mitogen stimulated cell proliferation was not influenced by CLA feeding. CONCLUSION: CLA supplementation influenced the FA profile of some minor FA in PBMC, but these changes did not lead to differences in the mitogen induced activation of the cells.     

Conjugated linoleic acid differentially modifies fatty acid composition in subcellular fractions of muscle and adipose tissue but not adiposity of postweaning pigs

This study examined the interaction between conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and dietary fat type on the enrichment of subcellular fractions, the Delta(9) desaturase index and adiposity in pigs. Early weaned piglets (n = 6/group) were fed for 35 d diets supplemented with 15 g/100 g diet beef tallow or corn oil, or 12 g/100 g tallow or corn oil plus 3 g CLA. There were no effects of dietary fat or CLA on the mass of dissected skin, bone, muscle or adipose tissue of the 7th to 9th thoracic rib sections. Medial subcutaneous adipose tissue of pigs fed tallow had smaller adipocytes than that of pigs fed corn oil. The lateral subcutaneous site was unaffected by dietary fat type. Microsomes accumulated <50% the concentration of trans-10,cis-12, cis-11,trans-13, and cis-9,trans-11 CLA as membrane and nonmembrane fractions of adipose tissue and longissimus muscle. There was no evidence of preferential incorporation of any CLA isomer into any of the subcellular fractions. Addition of CLA to the diets reduced adipose tissue nonmembrane monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; g/100 g total fatty acids) by 15% in corn oil-fed pigs and by 19% in tallow-fed pigs. Total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were increased by CLA commensurately in this lipid fraction. This resulted in a reduced Delta(9) desaturase index [MUFA/(SFA + MUFA)] in the nonmembrane lipid fraction of pigs fed either the corn oil or tallow diets. Thus, in spite of marked effects on fatty acid composition and the Delta(9) desaturase index, CLA had no effect on adiposity in early weaned piglets fed high fat diets.     

Seasonal variation of fat composition in sheep’s milk from areas of central Italy

This study was conducted on sheep’s milk to determine the fat composition in flocks of different breeds (Suffolk, Fabrianese, Sopravvissana, Sarda) living in Marche region areas (central Italy). Samples were collected from December to July and the fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and lipid peroxidation status were analysed. The results show high levels of saturated fatty acids (SAT) for each period of the year considered. The amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is three to five times higher than polyunsaturated ones (PUFA). An increase in PUFA content is present in samples collected in May and July. The content of cis-9,trans-11- and trans-10,cis-12-CLA isomers increases in May, reaching the highest values in July. The results reported here are of importance since the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) content in cheese will depend on the CLA content of milk itself and this should be taken into account due to the beneficial effects of CLA isomers on human health.     

Duodenal and milk trans octadecenoic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers indicate that postabsorptive synthesis is the predominant source of cis-9-containing CLA in lactating dairy cows

Duodenal and milk samples obtained from lactating cows in a previous study were analyzed to compare the content and isomer distribution of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and trans-18:1 fatty acids (tFA). Four diets containing either low [25 g/100 g dry matter (DM)] or high (60 g/100 g DM) forage were fed with or without 2% added buffer to four multiparous Holstein dairy cows in a 2 x 2 factorial, 4 x 4 Latin square design with 3-wk experimental periods. Duodenal flows of CLA were low (1.02-1.84 g/d), compared with that of tFA (57-120 g/d), regardless of diet. The greatest amounts of CLA and tFA, as well as the greatest proportions of trans-10-18:1 (P < 0.02), and cis-9, trans-11 (P < 0.01) and trans-10, cis-12 CLA (P < 0.01) were in the duodenal flow of cows fed the low forage unbuffered diet. In milk fat, tFA were increased by the low forage unbuffered diet and the trans-10-18:1 (P < 0.02) replaced trans-11-18:1 as the major 18:1 isomer. Milk CLA secretion (7.2-9.1 g/d) was greater (P < 0.001) than that in the duodenal flow with each diet. This was due to the increase in cis-9, trans-11-18:2 and trans-7, cis-9 CLA, resulting most likely from endogenous synthesis via Delta9-desaturation of ruminally derived tFA. For other CLA isomers, duodenal flow was always greater than milk secretion, suggesting that they essentially were produced in the rumen.     

The effect of absence of protozoa on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of lamb muscle

The effects of the absence of protozoa in the rumen of lambs on animal growth, rumen fermentation, microbial diversity and fatty acid profiles in abomasal fluid and intramuscular fat were measured in ten control and ten protozoa-free (PF) lambs. PF lambs were prepared by isolating them from ewes within the first 24 h after birth. The PF and control lambs were kept for 4 months in two different fields and received a daily supplement of 250 g concentrate. The bacterial populations visualised by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis differed between the two groups of animals and showed a higher bacterial diversity in control lambs than in PF lambs. Abomasal contents from control lambs contained higher concentrations of 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 and lower concentrations of vaccenic acid (trans-11-18: 1) and 20:3n-6 than PF lambs. The rest of the fatty acids, including the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, were present at the same concentrations in abomasal contents from both experimental groups. Fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat showed differences between the groups. PF lambs had higher proportions of 18:0, 18:3, trans-10, cis-12-CLA and total SFA than control lambs. Control lambs had higher proportions of cis-9-18: 1, cis-9, cis-12-18:2, 20: 3n-6, 22:6n-3 (DHA) and MUFA. In conclusion, rumen defaunation led to higher tissue levels of the trans-10, cis-12-CLA isomer and SFA and lower PUFA:SFA ratio and n-3 PUFA in lamb muscle.     

Conjugated linoleic acid in combination with supplemental dietary fat alters pork fat quality

Interest in fortification of human foods, including pork, with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is growing and may provide benefits as a neutraceutical based on research evaluating CLA as an anticarcinogen, immune modulator, antiatherogenic agent and a body composition modulator. This study evaluated the combined effects of dietary CLA and supplemental fat source on growth, fatty acid composition and belly quality of lean genotype gilts (n = 144). Pigs (49.3 kg) were randomly assigned to six diets (3 x 2 factorial) varying in supplemental fat (none, 4 g/100 g yellow grease or 4 g/100 g tallow) and linoleic acid [1 g/100 g corn oil (CO) or 1 g/100 g CLA (CLA-60)] for 47 d. Both the cis-9, trans-11 and the trans-10, cis-12 isomers of CLA were increased in belly and longissimus fat depots from pigs fed CLA, and that increase was up to 92% greater when CLA was fed with 4 g/100 g supplemental fat (fat source x linoleic acid interaction, P < 0.05). Pigs fed CLA had a greater concentration of 18:0 and less 18:1 cis-9 (P < 0.01) in various fat depots, suggesting a reduction in Delta(9) desaturase activity. The iodine value of belly fat from pigs consuming tallow and CLA combined was reduced to 62.0 from an initial value of 70.4. CLA supplementation also increased belly weights (P < 0.05). CLA did not affect longissimus muscle area, backfat depth and the percentage of fat-free lean (P > 0.10), but it increased the subjective intramuscular fat score by 18.8% (P < 0.01). In conclusion, CLA enrichment of pork products may be enhanced when combined with additional supplemental dietary fat, and together with tallow can be used to increase the saturated fatty acid content of pork.     

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on insulin resistance and mRNA levels of genes regulating energy metabolism in high-fat-fed rats

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of specific conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance and on mRNA levels of genes important in glucose and lipid metabolism. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 8 wk on a high-fat diet (45% kcal from fat) or one of three CLA-supplemented diets (1% CLA) containing differing isomers of CLA, including a mixture of CLAs (CLA mix), cis-9, trans-11-CLA (C9,T11-CLA), or trans-10, cis-12-CLA (T10,C12-CLA). RESULTS: Compared with the high-fat group, all the CLA groups had enhanced glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance index was significantly lower in the CLA-treated groups. No significant difference could be observed in the level of serum lipids between groups and in the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and glucokinase. However, C9,T11-CLA and T10,C12-CLA significantly increased acyl coenzyme A oxidase mRNA in skeletal muscle. In addition, C9,T11-CLA increased hepatic acyl coenzyme A oxidase mRNA and skeletal muscle uncoupling protein-2 mRNA. The CLA mix showed intermediate effects on the levels of these genes. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of all types of CLA to Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet can decrease insulin resistance. Possible mechanisms are increased fat oxidation and energy expenditure by increasing acyl coenzyme A oxidase and uncoupling protein-2 mRNA in the liver and/or skeletal muscle.     

Effects of dairy products naturally enriched with cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid on the blood lipid profile in healthy middle-aged men

BACKGROUND: Interest in the development of dairy products naturally enriched in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) exists. However, feeding regimens that enhance the CLA content of milk also increase concentrations of trans-18:1 fatty acids. The implications for human health are not yet known. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of consuming dairy products naturally enriched in cis-9,trans-11 CLA (and trans-11 18:1) on the blood lipid profile, the atherogenicity of LDL, and markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in healthy middle-aged men. DESIGN: Healthy middle-aged men (n = 32) consumed ultra-heat-treated milk, butter, and cheese that provided 0.151 g/d (control) or 1.421 g/d (modified) cis-9,trans-11 CLA for 6 wk. This was followed by a 7-wk washout and a crossover to the other treatment. RESULTS: Consumption of dairy products enriched with cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-11 18:1 did not significantly affect body weight, inflammatory markers, insulin, glucose, triacylglycerols, or total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol but resulted in a small increase in the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol. The modified dairy products changed LDL fatty acid composition but had no significant effect on LDL particle size or the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. Overall, increased consumption of full-fat dairy products and naturally derived trans fatty acids did not cause significant changes in cardiovascular disease risk variables, as may be expected on the basis of current health recommendations. CONCLUSION: Dairy products naturally enriched with cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-11 18:1 do not appear to have a significant effect on the blood lipid profile.     

Lipids in the diet and the fatty acid profile in beef: a review and recent patents on the topic

The objective of this review is to report how the use of lipid sources in diets for ruminants can affect the fatty acid profile of beef. In addition, recent patents that can be utilized to alter the fatty acid profile in the meat, or which concern the synthesis of conjugated fatty acids will be reviewed. The industrial production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has already started and the commercial products present isomers cis-9, trans-11; trans-9, cis-11; and trans-10, cis-12. Patents on the biological synthesis of isomer C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 from the linoleic acid have also been published. However, the economic production of CLA in industrial scale is a difficult process. Most of the patents published for CLA production utilize bacteria of the genera Bifidobacterium sp. and Propionibacterium sp. Lipid supplementation, with the objective to improve the fatty acid profile of beef, can be done through the use of patented products, such as genetically modified oilseeds and calcium soaps of fatty acids.     

Dietary supplementation with trans-11- and trans-12-18 : 1 increases cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid in human immune cells, but without effects on biomarkers of immune function and inflammation

Trans-fatty acid intake is associated with an increased risk of CHD and diabetes. The effects of single trans-fatty acid isomers are largely unexplored. The present study examined the effects of a 6-week supplementation with two trans-18 : 1 isomers (trans-11 and trans-12) in human subjects on immune cells, several inflammatory and immunological biomarkers (for example, IL, TNFalpha, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, prostacyclin, phagocytic process). Following a 2-week adaptation period without supplements, the test group (n 12) received vaccenic acid (trans-11-18:1) and trans-12-18 : 1 in equal amounts (6.0 g/d) for 6 weeks. The control group (n 12) consumed an oil without trans-fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). Samples were collected at the end of both periods. Trans-11- and trans-12-18 : 1 were significantly increased in cellular lipids. The endogenous synthesis of cis-9, trans-11-CLA from trans-11-18 : 1 was demonstrated via increased CLA in cellular lipids of the test group. Generally, trans-isomer supplementation did not affect either inflammatory biomarkers (for example, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha) or immune function (for example, phagocytosis) during the present study. The dietary supplementation of trans-11- and trans-12-18 : 1 (6 g/d) and their accumulation in leucocytes had no effects on biomarkers of inflammation and immune function. However, because of the limited data on the safety of trans-fatty acid intake and effects of individual trans isomers on human health (for example, trans-9-18 : 1, trans-10-18 : 1) at present, it is prudent to reduce trans-fat intake in general.     

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on body composition and energy balance in broiler chickens

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on body composition and energy metabolism was investigated in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks were assigned to receive either a control diet (1 % sunflower oil) or a diet containing CLA (1 % of a 1:1 mixture of trans-10, cis-12 and cis-9, trans-11 isomers of octadecadienoic acid). The diets were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks and there were eight replicates per diet, each replicate including four chickens so that each treatment had thirty-two animals. The proportion of body fat was lower in the control group than in the CLA group. No significant differences as to the proportions of body water, ash and protein were observed. Feed and energy intake were significantly lower in CLA-fed birds. The percentage of ingested energy lost in excreta was higher after CLA feeding and heat expenditure as a percentage of ingested energy was lower in the CLA-fed group. The CLA-fed group showed a higher percentage of SFA and lower percentages of MUFA and PUFA in carcass fat. It is concluded that CLA stimulated de novo fatty acid synthesis and lowered desaturase activity.