I read that conjugated linoleic acids can be beneficial to my health. Do I need to buy the pill form or is it available in foods?
CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a trans fatty acid that is available in meat and dairy products and is now available in a concentrated dietary supplement. Recently, there have been some seemingly exaggerated claims based on studies on small animals that large amounts of CLA can provide protection against obesity and cancer. It is not yet known if humans will benefit from high doses of CLA and if and what the side effects of taking large amounts of CLA may be. According to Udo Erasmus, PhD, author of Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, “CLA is not a nutrient ‘essential’ for health. Nor are its benefits in animals substantiated in human clinical trials.”
If you are interested in taking CLA, please consult your physician.