Probl Hig Epidemiol 2016, 97(3): 207-212pl

Effects of conjugated dienes of linoleic acid on risk of formation and progression of cancer

Anna Czekajło ^1/, Anna Andrysiak ^2/, Dorota Różańska ^1/

1/ Zakład Dietetyki, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu
2/ Studenckie Koło Naukowe przy Zakładzie Dietetyki, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu

Summary
Coniugated linoleic acid (CLA) consists of a group of positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid. The main sources of CLA are animal products such as milk, dairy products and ruminant meat. The position and configuration of double bonds vary between different isomers of CLA. The cis-9, trans-11 isomer is the most common natural isomer of CLA found in food. In many studies it has been confirmed that CLA may reduce body weight in overweight and obese patients. Since 1990´s there have been reports about anti-cancerogenic attributes of CLA. Cancers are among the world´s leading causes of deaths and in some countries cancer mortality is ahead of mortality of cardiovascular diseases. The effects of CLA on tumor formation and growth have been confirmed in many in vitro and in vivo animal studies. However, there have not been many studies using CLA derived from natural sources. The results of studies conducted among humans are inconclusive, which may be the reason of low CLA intake and difficulties in indicating its consumption in the diet. Therefore, other studies with natural CLA are needed in order to determine its effectiveness on reducing risk of cancer in people.

Key words:  conjugated linoleic acid, cancer, diet, anticancer therapy