Conjugated linoleic acid is a slightly modified essential fatty acid. This characteristic offers a series of healthy effects for the body, especially in the regulation of appetite.
Despite this, it is given many properties that are not fully demonstratedTherefore, a proper evaluation of its safety towards consumers is required. Otherwise, undesirable effects may appear over time.
Health effects of conjugated linoleic acid
The interest aroused in recent years by conjugated linoleic acid for its beneficial properties in the cardiovascular fieldas well as its possible anticancer effect.
Other favorable properties that have also been attributed to this compound are the following:
- Modulation of the immune system.
- Antidiabetic action.
- Improves bone mineralization.
- Body fat reducer.
Let’s take a closer look at the effects of conjugated linolenic acid:
Hypolipidemic and antiteratogenic effect
The antiteratogenic effect, i.e. avoiding damage to the fetus in pregnant women, seems to be due to its hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic action, according to a article published in the journal “Nutrients”.
Some authors have speculated that the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on lipid metabolism could be mediated by the activation of transcription factors.
antidiabetic effect
In relation to the effect on diabetic disease, it has been shown in various animal studies that conjugated linoleic acid it exerts an activity similar to certain drugs that act against this pathology.
Clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with conjugated linoleic acid, have shown that it causes a significant decrease in fasting blood sugarleptin, body mass index and weight.
Read also: Remedies for type 2 diabetes: natural options
Antiadipogenic effect
Currently, there are numerous studies on experimental animals and humans. in which conjugated linoleic acid has been shown to reduce body fat. An example of this is a article published in the journal “Nutrients”.
This weight reduction paves the way for the possible commercial exploitation of this fatty acid as useful product in the prevention and treatment of obesity.
The action of conjugated linoleic acid on the amount of body fat appears to be explained by a change in energy balance. It is possible that this acid reduces food intake, increases energy expenditure and may even produce both phenomena simultaneously.
Strengthens the immune system
This is one of the most currently discovered effects, therefore There are no studies yet to support this.. It has been seen that this substance is capable of increase some immunoglobulinswhich are cells that recognize foreign substances or antigens.
In this way, these results have allowed us to glimpse the usefulness of this fatty acid in prevention and treatment of some food allergies.
anticancer effect
This property is one of the best researched. There are not only experimental studies, but also on humans, as in the case of the anti-adipogenic effect.
The results obtained in relation to the prevention of breast cancer they are superior comparing conjugated linoleic acid with other similar compounds, according to a study published in “Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention”.
The antioxidant effect, the increase of the immune response, the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, together with the increase of apoptosis (cell death), could be the mechanisms of the anticancer effect.
Properties on bone mineralization
Finally, there are also studies that show the possible utility of this substance in sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Likewise, it also exerts its function on the articular cartilage.
If human studies confirm the preliminary results obtained in animals, before there was a new use of conjugated linoleic acid. More research is still needed to confirm this effect.
Linoleic acid, a promising substance
Conjugated linoleic acid is a substance that offers a large number of benefits for the body. However, many of his properties are still being studied.
It is important to remember this conjugated linoleic acid should not be used as a substitute for any treatment established by the doctor. Before taking this substance, talk to your pharmacist or doctor, as improper use can have serious consequences.
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