Long-term CLA Use Deemed Safe

MADISON, Wis.--Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) caused no adverse effects in a long-term (one-year) human study published in the October issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology (75, 21: 2505-13, 2004) (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02786915).

The study evaluated the safety of CLA (as Clarinol<\#170>, supplied by Dutch firm Loders Croklaan Lipid Nutrition) over a one-year period in obese but otherwise healthy humans. In the randomized, double blind, three-phase trial, subjects were administered 6 g/d of CLA or placebo. In Phase 1 of the trial, subjects were put on a low-calorie diet (13 kcal/kg desirable weight) for 12 weeks or until 10 percent to 20 percent of initial body weight was lost. In phase 2, from weeks 12 to 28, subjects were assigned a diet of 25-30 kcal/kg of desirable body weight. Phase 3 was open label, with subjects from both groups taking CLA from weeks 28 to 52. Subjects completed a biweekly questionnaire evaluating side effects and adverse events. Blood was assessed for assay of liver function, glucose, insulin, serum lipids, blood counts, and general chemistry. Overall, body composition did not differ between groups. Laboratory tests showed no adverse effects of CLA. There were fewer adverse effects in the CLA group compared to placebo. The scientists concluded CLA as Clarinol is safe for use in obese humans for at least one year.