Conjugated linoleic acid - A natural anticarcinogenic substance from animal food

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a natural component of animal food derive d from linoleic acid. It is present mainly in dairy products and bovine mea t and the amount of these unusual essential fatty acids in animal food depe nds on seasonal conditions, feeding conditions and rumen microflora. This s hort review provides an update on in vivo and in vitro studies which demons trate anticarcinogenic activity of CLA in various animal organs and in diff erent stages of carcinogenesis. These compounds exhibit a protective effect also in atherosclerotic disease at a concentration similar to that found i n food. Studies are being carried out to assess the health protecting effec t of CLA in humans.