Acid linoleic (cla)

Linoleic acid (CLA) also known as omega-6 acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that helps reduce the need to take excessive amounts of energy, which reduces hunger and slows the growth of adipose tissue. It helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and prevents the occurrence of premature atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. It is involved in thousands of different biochemical reactions in the body: the treatment of inflammation, the transmission of nerve impulses and also the production of steroid hormones.

Fig.1: linear form of CLA (source: http://web.vscht.cz/kutnas/vystup/sk/vzorce/linolova.html)

It is present in foods derived from ruminant animals (cows, lambs) and therefore we find it mainly in milk, dairy products, beef and mutton meat.

Studies have confirmed its health benefits in the treatment of various diseases. CLA may slow the emergence and development of cancer, inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.