Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) protects humans from cancer, arterial disease and diabetes mellitus and is found in milk and fat tissue of meat of ruminants, especially. The amount of CLA is dependent on the animals’ age, breed, diet and other factors related to the animals feed.
The average human adult consumes only 1/2 to 1/3 of the amount of CLA needed to prevent cancer in animal studies. The authors suggest that we would greatly benefit by increasing the amount of CLA in our dairy products and meat to increase our CLA consumption.
Several human studies have shown an inverse relationship between CLA intake and the risk of breast cancer, with higher CLA consumption reducing the risk of breast cancer. A number of studies show the positive effects of a pasture-based diet on the CLA content of milk fat. Pasture grazing cows have as much as 500% higher CLA in their milk as dry forage fed cows.
Adding grain to the diet of pasture fed cows reduces the CLA content of their milk fat. Grain reduces the rumen pH (increases acidity) and reduces the amounts of the bacteria present that are necessary for CLA production. Feeding cows sunflower, soybean, peanut, canola and linseed oil improve milk CLA content and feeding cows fish oil or fish meal also increases the CLA content of their milk. Fish oil,however, reduces the total fat content of their milk.
CONCLUSION: CLA is a fatty acid that we need to consume more to prevent cancer, diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. It is most available in meat and dairy products from range-fed animals and supplements.
NOTE: CLA can be produced by probiotics.
To read the author’s abstract click on the link to the author’s title above.
PMID: 16183568
Summary #016.
