Ruminant meat as a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Summary Ruminant meat is a natural source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Evidence has shown that CLA has many potential health benefits on cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes. However, to date, all of the published research has been conducted in animals and there are few data in relation to the potential health benefits of CLA in humans. Lamb is the richest meat source of CLA. The main CLA isomer found in meat is c 9, t 11. Research has shown that cooking or storing meat does not alter its CLA content, but it can be changed by manipulating the diet of the animal. Little information is available that quantifies the contribution of meat to CLA intake. More research is required to further improve our knowledge on the role that meat can play as a vehicle that naturally supplies dietary CLA.     

Metabolic effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in rats

To know the effect of individual conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on lipid metabolism, male rats were fed diets containing either linoleic acid (LA, a control fatty acid), CLA containing mainly 9c,11t-isomer, 10t,12c-isomer (at the 0.8% level) or an equivalent mixture of these isomers (at the 0.4% level) for 26 days. Although there were no differences in food intake and body weight gain among the groups, the food efficiency was low in rats fed the CLA containing 10t,12c-isomer in comparison with those fed 9c,11t-CLA. The weight of white (epididymal and perirenal) adipose tissues decreased in all CLA groups, while that of brown adipose tissue increased in rats fed 10t,12c-CLA, the difference between 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-isomers being significant. The concentration of serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipid tended to be lower in rats fed CLA preparations containing 10t,12c-CLA, while there was a trend toward an increasing concentration of serum HDL-cholesterol in all CLA groups. The rate of fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver peroxisomes was slightly higher in rats fed CLA than in those fed LA, and the activity of mitchondrial carnitine parmitoyltranceferase (CPT) in the CLA-mix group significantly increased compared to the LA group. The effect of CLA on the concentration of spleen and serum IgE, IgG and IgA level was variable. No CLA effect was observed on the concentration of serum leptin and TNF-. Thus, individual isomers of CLA may have different effects on some metabolic parameters in rats. The results also suggested a probable interaction of different isomers on lipid metabolism.     

Isomer specificity of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): 9E,11E-CLA

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) were identified in 1980''s, since then it has been intensively studied due to its various beneficial health effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic/obesity effects. Isomer specificity of a number of CLA isomers, especially predominant isomer 9Z,11E- and 10E,12Z-CLA, is now recognized. However, the less prevalent CLA isomers have not been well characterized. Recently, studies have reported the distinctively different effects of 9E,11E-CLA in colon cancer cells, endothelial cells, and macrophage cells compared to the rest of CLA isomers. In this review, various effects of CLAs, especially anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, will be discussed with focusing on the isomer-specific effects and potential mechanism of action of CLA. At last, recent studies about 9E,11E-CLA in in vitro and animal models will be discussed.     

Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. METHODS: For establishment of atherosclerosis, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a semipurified diet containing 0.1% to 0.2% cholesterol for 90 days. Some groups were fed diet and CLA. For effects on progression of atherosclerosis, rabbits with established atherosclerosis were fed a semipurified diet +/- CLA for 90 days. RESULTS: At dietary levels as low as 0.1%, CLA inhibited atherogenesis. At dietary levels of 1%, CLA caused substantial (30%) regression of established atherosclerosis. This is the first example of substantial regression of atherosclerosis being caused by diet alone. CONCLUSION: Dietary CLA is an effective inhibitor of atherogenesis and also causes regression of established atherosclerosis.     

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.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on lipid levels and peroxisome proliferation in the hamster

Effects of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11 CLA) and trans-10, cis-12 (t10,c12 CLA) on lipid metabolism and markers of peroxisome proliferation were investigated in hamsters fed on purified diets containing 30% energy as fat and 0.1 g cholesterol/kg for 8 weeks. Four groups (n 32 each) received diets without CLA (control), with a mixture of equal amounts of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA (CLA mix), with c9,t11 CLA, and with t10,c12 CLA. The total amount of CLA isomers was 1.5% energy of 6.6g/ kg diet. CLA was incorporated into glycerides and exchanged for linoleic acid in the diet. Compared with the control, the CLA mix and t10,c12 CLA decreased fasting values of LDL- (21 and 18% respectively) and HDL-cholesterol (8 and 11%), increased VLDL-triacylglycerol (80 and 61%, and decreased epididymal fat pad weights (9 and 16%), whereas c9,t11 CLA had no significant effects. All CLA preparations increased liver weight, but not liver lipids. However, the increase in liver weight was much less in the c9,t11 CLA group (8%) than in the other two groups (25%) and might have been caused by the small amount of t10,c12 CLA present in the c9,t11 CLA preparation. Liver histology revealed that increased weight was due to hypertrophy. Markers of peroxisome proliferation, such as cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl CoA oxidase (EC 1.3.3.6) and carnitine acetyl transferase (EC 2.3.1.7) activities, were not increased by CLA. Both c9,t11 CLA and t10,c12 CLA were incorporated into phospholipids and triacylglycerols, but t10,c12 CLA only about half as much as c9,t11 CLA. In addition, linoleic acid and linolenic acid concentrations were lower in lipids of the t10,c12 CLA group compared with the c9,t11 CLA group. These data suggest that t10,c12 CLA stimulated the oxidation of all C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results indicate that the t10,c12 CLA isomer, and not the so-called natural CLA isomer (c9,t11), is the active isomer affecting lipid levels in hamsters.     

Consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from CLA-enriched cheese does not alter milk fat or immunity in lactating women

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) decreased milk fat, altered immunity, and reduced the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in some animals. The major form of CLA in the human diet is c9,t11-18:2 (rumenic acid; RA). We studied the effects of high RA consumption on plasma and milk RA concentration, milk composition, immunity, and CVD risk factors in lactating women (n = 36) assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: control, low CLA cheese (LCLA; 160 mg RA/d), or high CLA cheese (HCLA; 346 mg RA/d). The increase in plasma RA concentration between baseline and 8 wk in women consuming HCLA cheese was significantly greater than that of controls. At study completion (8 wk), milk RA concentration among women consuming HCLA cheese was greater (P < 0.05) than that of controls (0.37 vs. 0.26% of fatty acids). Treatment did not affect milk fat, protein, or lactose concentrations, immune indices (e.g., plasma T-helper cells and interleukin-2), or measured risk factors for CVD (e.g., plasma triacylglyceride and cholesterol). In summary, consumption of a RA-enriched cheese modestly increased plasma and milk RA concentrations without affecting total milk fat, plasma and milk indices of immunity, or selected risk factors for CVD.     

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.     

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are incorporated into egg yolk lipids by CLA-fed laying hens

This study was designed to determine the amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) incorporated into egg lipids after dietary CLA supplementation. Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens (n = 40; 28 wk old) were randomly assigned to four treatments of varying CLA levels (0, 0.01, 0.5 and 1 g CLA/kg diet). Eggs were collected daily for 36 d. Feed consumption and body weight were monitored. CLA content of egg yolk lipid was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Birds fed 0.5 and 1.0 g CLA/kg feed had significantly more CLA in the egg yolk lipid vs. control and 0.01 g CLA/kg diet groups after 7 d (P < 0.0004). Incorporation of CLA into egg lipid was highest on d 24 and 36. CLA enrichment in egg lipid in the 1.0 g CLA/kg diet group was similar to that in ruminant animal food products, approximately 3 mg CLA/g fat.     

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) induces apoptosis of colonic mucosa in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated rats: a possible mechanism of the anticarcinogenic effect by CLA.

One of the objectives of the present study was to investigate whether 1 % conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the diet reduced tumour incidence in the colon of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats. Colon cancer was induced by injecting 6-week-old, male, Sprague-Dawley rats with 15 mg/kg DMH twice per week for 6 weeks. They were fed either 1 % CLA or a control diet ad libitum for 30 weeks. Dietary CLA significantly decreased colon tumour incidence (P<0.05). Our second objective was to investigate whether apoptosis in the colon mucosa of DMH-treated rats was affected by the amount of dietary CLA and whether the changes in apoptosis were related to those in fatty acid-responsive biomarkers. For this purpose, rats were killed after being fed a diet containing 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 % or 1.5 % CLA for 14 weeks. CLA was undetected in the mucosa of rats fed the 0 % CLA diet and increased to 5.9 mg/g phospholipid in rats fed the 0.5 % diet. The apoptotic index estimated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick and labelling technique was increased by 251 % and the 1,2-diacylglycerol content was decreased by 57 % in rats fed 0.5 % CLA. No further changes in these variables were observed when CLA in the diet was raised to 1.0 % or 1.5 %. However, dietary CLA decreased mucosal levels of prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2 and arachidonic acid in a dose-dependent manner. The present data indicate that dietary CLA can inhibit DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis by mechanisms probably involving increased apoptosis.     

The effect of using different probiotic cultures on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration and fatty acid composition of white pickle cheese

Pickle white cheeses were produced from whole milk with five different probiotic cultures (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of cheeses ranged from 3.52 to 3.92 mg/g. Probiotic differences and storage process have not affected the CLA contents of the samples statistically. There was no correlation between the CLA content of all probiotic cheeses and saturated fatty acids. A positive correlation between the CLA and linoleic acid contents of L. paracasei and L. acidophilus cheeses was observed.     

The effect of using different probiotic cultures on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration and fatty acid composition of white pickle cheese

Pickle white cheeses were produced from whole milk with five different probiotic cultures (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of cheeses ranged from 3.52 to 3.92?mg/g. Probiotic differences and storage process have not affected the CLA contents of the samples statistically. There was no correlation between the CLA content of all probiotic cheeses and saturated fatty acids. A positive correlation between the CLA and linoleic acid contents of L. paracasei and L. acidophilus cheeses was observed.     

Chronic but not acute treatment with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (trans-10, cis-12 CLA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA) affects lipid metabolism in Caco-2 cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has profound effects on hepatic and adipocyte lipid metabolism, but little is known about its effects on intestinal lipid metabolism. We investigated the acute (22 h) and acute-after-chronic (22 h after 19 d) effects of trans-10, cis-12 CLA (t10,c12-CLA) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA (c9, t11-CLA) on triacylglycerol (TAG)-rich lipoprotein (TRL) metabolism, de novo TAG, phospholipid (PL) ((14)C-glycerol) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) ((35)S-methionine) synthesis and secretion, in the colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cell model of intestinal lipoprotein metabolism. Acute treatment with either CLA isomer did not affect TRL metabolism. However, chronic t10,c12-CLA and c9,t11-CLA supplementation followed by acute palmitic acid (PA) treatment increased the ratio of cellular to secreted de novo TAG (cTAG/sTAG) (P < or = 0.03) as a result of increased cellular de novo TAG levels. Chronic Caco-2 cell t10,c12-CLA supplementation, prior to the acute oleic acid (OA) treatment, significantly increased (P = 0.005) the ratio of cellular de novo TAG to de novo PL (cTAG/cPL), to a greater extent than that following chronic linoleic acid (LA) (P = 0.001) or c9,t11-CLA supplementation (P = 0.005). Again, this effect was attributed to increased cellular de novo TAG synthesis. Neither CLA isomer affected the ratio of secreted de novo TAG to de novo PL (sTAG/sPL). No effects on Caco-2 cell apoB synthesis and secretion were observed after acute or chronic CLA treatments. In conclusion, chronic t10,c12-CLA supplementation modulated intestinal TRL metabolism, by increasing cellular de novo TAG synthesis but had no effect on de novo TAG secretion in Caco-2 cells.     

cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid is synthesized directly from vaccenic acid in lactating dairy cattle

The utilization of (13)C-labeled vaccenic acid (VA) by lactating dairy cows to synthesize cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was investigated. Primiparous ruminally cannulated Holstein cows (n = 3) were abomasally infused with 1.5 g of VA-1-(13)C. Blood and milk samples were taken frequently before and after VA infusion. Milk and plasma lipid were extracted using chloroform:methanol. Plasma lipid was separated into triacylglycerol (TG), cholesterol ester (CE), phospholipid (PL), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and mono- and diacylglycerol (MDG) fractions. Lipid was methylated, converted to dimethyl disulfide and Diels-Alder adducts, and analyzed by GC-MS. Increased enrichment of (13)C was determined using a 2-sample t test for each sample time compared with -24 h, with significance declared at P < 0.05. Enrichment in milk fat VA was detected at 4 (3.0%), 8 (8.3%), 12 (4.1%), 16 (2.2%), and 20 h (0.8%). Enrichment in VA was also detected in plasma TG, NEFA, PL, and MDG. Enrichment in milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA, the Delta9-desaturase product of VA, was detected at 4 (2.6%), 8 (6.6%), 12 (3.4%), 16 (1.7%), and 24 h (0.7%). Enrichment was not detected in cis-9, trans-11 CLA for any plasma lipid fraction. Modeling of the data showed the exponential decay in (13)C enrichment over time for both VA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat. Conversion of dietary VA to cis-9, trans-11 CLA endogenously was confirmed with the mammary gland being the primary site of Delta9-desaturase activity; approximately 80% of milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA originated from VA.     

Fatty acid and CLA composition of Brazilian dairy products, and contribution to daily intake of CLA

In the present study, the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) contents of dairy products most consumed by the population living in the southeast region of Brazil (whole milk, “Prato” cheese and butter) were determined. In addition, the contribution of these dairy foods to the daily intake of CLA isomers was estimated. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Quantitative analysis of CLA isomers was done by silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and their identification was achieved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives. Eleven CLA isomers were identified and the predominant were cis-9,trans-11 and trans-7,cis-9. The total CLA contents in whole milk, “Prato” cheese and butter ranged from 4.0 to 8.4 mg/g fat and were similar to those reported for dairy products from other countries. Whole milk samples had significantly higher contents of total CLA, when compared to “Prato” cheese and butter, and the total CLA contents were significantly different between the commercial brands of each dairy product. The estimated average daily intake of total CLA in southeastern Brazil was 36 mg/day, which was lower than those of European and North American countries, and milk was the main food source of CLA in the diet.     

The change in conjugated linoleic acid concentration in blood of Japanese fed a conjugated linoleic acid diet

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term used for fatty acids with a conjugated double bond that are geometrical and positional isomers of linoleic acid. Anti-obesity and anti-cancer properties, an immunopotentiation effect, and promotion of bone formation by CLA have been shown in cell culture and animal studies. A mixture of 9c11t- and 10t12c-CLA is now used as a health food supplement after testing in clinical trials. These trials focused on improvement of lipid metabolism by CLA, whereas few studies have examined absorption and metabolism of CLA in humans. In addition, there is no report concerning absorption and metabolism of CLA in Japanese. This study was designed to examine CLA concentration in blood, the elimination rate of CLA, and metabolic differences between 9c11t-CLA and 10t12c-CLA in blood in Japanese who ingested CLA (about 2 g/d, equal weights of 9c11t-CLA and 10t12c-CLA) for 3 wk. Blood samples were collected 1 wk before the 3-wk period, on the first and last days of the period, and 1 wk after the end of the period, and the CLA concentration and distribution in blood were investigated. The CLA concentration in blood was significantly increased by CLA ingestion and reached 36 μmol/L. The CLA concentration in blood one week after the intake period was significantly lower than that at the end of CLA intake. The 10t12c-CLA level in plasma decreased faster than that of 9c11t-CLA. This suggests faster metabolism (fatty acid β oxidation) of 10t12c-CLA compared with 9c11t-CLA.     

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), body fat, and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine if consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by mice could induce apoptosis in adipose tissue. Other objectives were to determine the influence of feeding mice CLA for < or =2 weeks on body fat, energy expenditure, and feed intake. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A mixture of CLA isomers (predominantly c9,t11 and t10,c12) was included in the AIN-93G diet at 0, 1, and 2%, and fed to mice for 12 days (Trial 1), or was included at 2% and fed to mice for 0, 5, and 14 days (Trial 2). Feed intake was measured daily and energy expenditure was determined by direct calorimetry on day 9 in Trial 1. Retroperitoneal fat pads were analyzed for apoptosis by determination of DNA fragmentation. RESULTS: Dietary CLA reduced feed intake by 10% to 12% (p < 0.01), but either did not influence or did not increase energy expenditure as indicated by heat loss. Body weight was not influenced by consumption of CLA in Trial 1 but was increased (p < 0.01) by CLA in Trial 2. Weights of retroperitoneal, epididymal, and brown adipose tissues were lower (p < 0.01) in animals fed CLA, although liver weight was increased (p < 0.10; Trial 1) or not changed (Trial 2). Analysis of retroperitoneal fat pad DNA from both trials indicated that apoptosis was increased (p < 0.01) by CLA consumption. DISCUSSION: These results are interpreted to indicate that CLA consumption causes apoptosis in white adipose tissue. This effect occurs within 5 days of consuming a diet that contains CLA.     

Dietary conjugated linoleic acid differentially alters fatty acid composition and increases conjugated linoleic acid content in porcine adipose tissue

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have been shown to decrease body fat content in pigs. It is possible that feeding pigs diets rich in CLA may increase carcass lipid CLA to levels that could provide health benefits when included as a part of a healthy diet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether dietary CLA supplementation has any effect on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue in pigs. Thirty-five female cross bred (Large White x Landrace) pigs (initial weight 57.2 kg and initial P2 back fat 11.5 mm) were used in the present study. Pigs were housed individually and randomly allocated to one of six dietary treatments (0.00, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 7.50 and 10.00 g CLA55 (55 g CLA isomers/100 g total fatty acids; Natural Lipids Ltd, Hovdebygda, Norway)/kg) and fed their respective diets for 8 weeks. Twelve CLA isomers in the diet and in pig tissue lipids were separated by Ag+-HPLC. CLA was incorporated at fivefold higher levels in subcutaneous fat as compared with intramuscular fat and in a dose-dependant manner. Overall, the transfer efficiency of CLA was maximized at 5.00 g CLA55/kg. However, there was clear selectivity in the uptake or incorporation of cis,trans-9,11 isomer over the trans,cis-10,12 isomer. In general, CLA supplementation produced significant changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue fatty acid composition, indicating that dietary CLA had a potent affect on lipid transport and metabolism in vivo. Significant increases in myristic, palmitic and palmitoleic acids and a reduction in arachidonic acid were observed, suggesting an alteration in activity of delta5-, delta6- and delta9-desaturases in pig adipose tissue. In conclusion, feeding pigs diets supplemented with CLA increases carcass lipid CLA, but also results in changes in the fatty acid profile in pig fat that could potentially outweigh the benefits of CLA.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on linoleic and linolenic acid metabolism in man

Evidence from animal studies suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) modulates plasma and tissue appearance of newly synthesized PUFA. The effects of a 1.2g (0.5 % energy) daily intake of the cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11) isomer of CLA, trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12) isomer of CLA or olive oil (placebo) on linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA) metabolism in healthy human volunteers was investigated. Fifteen subjects were fed an experimental diet and supplemented with c9,t11-CLA, t10,c12-CLA or placebo for 7 d before consuming a tracer dose of U-[(13)C]LA (50 mg) and U-[(13)C]LNA (50 mg). Blood samples were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h and analysed using high-precision MS. No differences between the groups in peak plasma [(13)C]LA (10.3-11.6 % of dose), [(13)C]LNA (2.5-2.9 % of dose), [(13)C]arachidonic acid (0.09-0.12 % of dose), [(13)C]EPA (0.04-0.06 % of dose) or [(13)C]DHA (0.06-0.10 % of dose) were detected. Concentration v. time curves (area under the curve) also showed no significant differences between groups. This suggests that, in healthy human subjects consuming a diet with adequate intake of essential fatty acids, CLA does not affect metabolism of LA or LNA.