Effect of CLA supplementation on immune function in young healthy volunteers

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of dietary CLA supplementation (3g/day; 50:50 mix of the two major isomers) on the immune system and plasma lipids and glucose of healthy human (male and female) volunteers. Design: Double-blind, randomized, reference-controlled study. Subject and intervention: A total of 28 healthy male and female participants aged 25-50 y received either high oleic sunflower oil (reference) or 50% CLA 9-11 and 50% CLA 10-12 CLA isomers (50:50 CLA-triglyceride form). The treatments were given as supplements in soft-gel capsules providing a total 3 g (6 x 500 mg capsules) per day in treatment groups for 12 weeks. A 12-week washout period followed the intervention period. Results: Levels of plasma IgA and IgM were increased (P