By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, October 25, 2005, abstracted from “High-fat dairy food and conjugated linoleic acid intakes in relation to colorectal cancer incidence in the Swedish Mammography Cohort” in the October 1, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a supplement that is most commonly associated with weight loss. Although the fault with CLA used to be that it was only producing short-term weight loss in mice,1 a new study2 found that 3.4 grams of CLA per day did indeed provide sustained weight loss even after 2 years. CLA is found naturally in animal tissues and food sources, including meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products, such as cheeses, milk and yogurt.3
Now a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition4 has found another use for CLA: helping prevent colorectal cancer.
As the second leading cause of death from cancer (behind lung cancer) in the United States, colorectal cancer claims more than 55,000 Americans each year. While 140,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, it is estimated that one in four Americans (80 to 90 million) are considered at risk because of age or other factors. Colorectal cancer, contrary to what most people believe, affects both men and women equally.5
In the study, researchers examined high-fat dairy food and CLA intake in 60,708 women aged 40 to 76 participating in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. During a 14.8 year follow-up, the researchers found that women who consumed four or more servings of high-fat dairy foods per day had half the risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to women who consumed less than one serving per day.
Concerning CLA intake, they found CLA was associated with an almost 30 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
For the researchers, “high intakes of high-fat dairy foods and CLA may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.”
Reference:
1 West, D.B., et al., Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat and energy metabolism in the mouse. Am J Physiol, 1998. 275(3 Pt 2): p. R667-72
2 Gaullier, J. M., J. Halse, et al. (2005). "Supplementation with conjugated linoleic Acid for 24 months is well tolerated by and reduces body fat mass in healthy, overweight humans." J Nutr 135(4): 778-84
3 “Conjugated Linoleic Acid” posted on www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/con_0077.shtml
4 Larsson SC. High-fat dairy food and conjugated linoleic acid intakes in relation to colorectal cancer incidence in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 82: 894-900
5 “Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet” posted on the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition Website www.fdhn.org/html/education/colorectal/facts.html
Product Catalog : Store Finder : Quality : Health Library : About NOW : News & Events : Contact us