Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on weight loss and body fat composition in a Chinese population

Objective: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has several benefits, including body fat reduction, as proved in animals. However, the results of CIA-induced body composition alterations in humans are inconsistent, and no related data are available for Chinese populations. This study aimed to determine whether CLA affects body weight (BW) loss and body composition of overweight and obese Chinese subjects. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 24 to 35 kg/m(2) randomly received 1.7 g of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CIA (n = 30) or placebo (salad oil: n = 33) in 200 mL of sterilized milk twice daily for 12 wk. Changes in body composition were determined by bioimpedance measurements. Results: Sixty-three subjects completed the study (CIA, n = 30). After 12 wk, compared with the baseline, the BW, BMI, total fat mass, fat percentage, subcutaneous fat mass, and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in the CIA group (P < 0.05). The CIA group was stratified by BMI and gender. The BW, BMI, subcutaneous fat mass, and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in 27 subjects with a BMI >= 27, and these indices, except subcutaneous fat mass, were lower in female subjects. The levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, and plasma fasting glucose increased, whereas those of high-density lipoprotein decreased after 3 mo of CIA treatment. The changes were not significantly different from the baseline values. Conclusion: The supplementation of CIA for 12 wk in overweight and grade I obese Chinese subjects yielded lower obesity indices, with no obvious adverse effects. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.