A slightly altered form of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), has shown potential for reducing the risk of stomach, breast, skin, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. So far studies have been limited to test tube and animal research. Whether or not CLA will have a comparable effect on people is still unknown.
Other CLA studies have suggested a favorable effect of supplemental CLA with regards to weight loss, reactions to food allergies, glucose tolerance, and prevention of atherosclerosis. However, along with preliminary cancer research, the result of CLA on humans is still uncertain.
Though mainly found in dairy products, CLA is also present in corn oil, beef, eggs, and poultry. CLA can also be manufactured in human intestines from linoleic acid. And, although both CLA and linoleic acid are available in supplemental form, studies have not shown linoleic acid supplements to be beneficial in improving blood levels of CLA.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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