Can CLA Prevent Cancer?
You know conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a weight loss enhancer, but research out of Korea may give it a new purpose. According to a mouse study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, CLA isomers (cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12)) were effective in preventing the spread of colon cancer cells.
First, researcher injected 4-week-old male mice with colon cancer cells. They then divided the mice into three diet groups: no CLA, 0.1 percent c-9,t11 or t10,c12 CLA. After four weeks, researchers found that both isomers significantly lowered the number of cancer cells, compared to mice that didn’t consume CLA.
Researchers then took to the laboratory to observe how the isomers affect an enzyme that is a key player in the degradation of the cells around tumors that allow cancer to spread easily. These experiments showed that only the CLA isomer c9,t11 inhibited cell migration, while the isomer t10,c12 had no effect.
Why the difference between the mouse and the Petri dish studies? Researchers don’t have an explanation except that the t10,c12 isomer may decrease cancer cells via a mechanism unrelated to the enzyme and cell migration. They also note that other studies have shown the t10,c12 isomer is more efficacious and potent in inhibiting colon cancer cell growth.
Bottom line: More research is needed before these results can be translated to humans, but they are promising. In the meantime, CLA has been proven to help manage your weight, which will keep you healthier and younger in the long run.
Source: Soela, S.M. et al. “Influence of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the metastasis of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 18(10): 650-657, 2007.
