Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation and Exercise on Body Fat Mass and Blood Lipid Profiles Among Overweight Iranians



Fouladi H¹ ; Peng LS^{1, 2} ; Mohaghehgi A³ Show Affiliations
Source: Malaysian Journal of Nutrition Published:2018

Abstract

Introduction: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been studied for its fat mass reduction effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of CLA supplementation on body fat mass (BFM) and selected blood lipid profiles among overweight Iranian. Methods: A total of 180 adults with BMI = 26-29 kg/m 2 and BFM exceeding 21% and 28% for men and women, respectively were recruited through voluntary participation from weight management clinics in Tehran. They were assigned randomly to three groups as follows: Group (1) (control group) receives weight loss diet only; Group (2) receives weight loss diet +3 gr/day CLA supplement (mixture of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) twice a day and Group (3) weight loss diet +3 gr/day CLA supplement as Group (2) twice a day + regular exercise (walking at 5.5-6 km/h for at least 160 minutes/week). The trial was conducted for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and blood lipid profiles were determined at weeks 0, 6 and 12. Results: Both Group 2 and Group 3 showed a significant between-group difference in reduction of BFM (1.3% and 2.6% respectively) compared to Group 1. Group 2 supplementation showed increased free fatty acid (FFA) (0.44 mM to 0.55 mM) and decreased HDL-chol (47.5 mg/dL to 42.0 mg/dL) between weeks 0 and 12. These results were not observed for Group 3. Conclusion: Combination of CLA supplementation with exercise showed BFM reduction in overweight Iranian adults. Further research is suggested to verify the findings of this study. © 2018, Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.