The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Background: The findings of trials investigating the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) administration on lipid profile are controversial. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to explore the effects of CLA supplementation on lipid profile. Methods: Two authors independently searched electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until March 2022, in order to find relevant RCTs. The random effects model was used to evaluate the mean and standard deviation. Results: In total, 56 RCTs with 73 effect sizes met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the meta-analysis. CLA supplementation significantly alter triglycerides (TG) (WMD: 1.76; 95% CI: -1.65, 5.19), total cholesterols (TC) (WMD: 0.86; 95% CI: -0.42, 2.26), low-density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C) (WMD: 0.49; 95% CI: -0.75, 2.74), apolipoprotein A (WMD: -3.15; 95% CI: -16.12, 9.81), and apolipoprotein B (WMD: -0.73; 95% CI: -9.87, 8.41) concentrations. However, CLA supplementation significantly increased the density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.72, -0.07) concentrations. Conclusion: CLA supplementation significantly improved HDL-C concentrations, however, increased concentrations of TG, TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B.

Automated summary

The meta-analysis of 56 RCTs shows that CLA supplementation significantly improves HDL-C concentrations but increases levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B concentrations.