Conjugated linoleic acid supplements preserve muscle in high-body-fat adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo trial

Huan Chang 1, Wei Gan 2, Xia Liao 3, Junxiang Wei 4, Mengnan Lu 5, Huangtao Chen 5, Shenglong Wang 5, Yan Ma 6, Qian Wu 4, Yan Yu 7, Xin Liu 8

Abstract

Background and aims: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been used to improve body composition in weight management. However, clinical trial results are inconsistent and limited among Asians. We aimed to investigate the effect of CLA on body composition of Chinese adults with elevated body fat percentage.

Methods and results: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 66 Chinese adults (aged 18-45 years old, 37.9% male) with elevated body fat percentage were provided with 3.2 g/day CLA (n = 33) or 3.2 g/day placebo (sunflower oil; n = 33) for 12 weeks. Both groups received lifestyle counseling, featured with low fat and low sugar diet, and moderate physical activity. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the baseline and end of the trial. Sixty-four participants finished this study. Compared with the placebo group, the CLA group showed increased trunk muscle mass (MM) (0.6 ± 1.7 vs. -0.3 ± 1.2 kg, P = 0.019). Among those with an adherence score higher than 0.80 (n = 56, 87.5%), a greater increase in both total and trunk MM was observed in the CLA group (both P < 0.05). Moreover, the effect on MM appeared to be more evident in men, those with a body mass index <25 kg/m2, or those with higher self-rated physical activity.

Conclusions: In Chinese adults with elevated body fat percentage, 3.2 g/day CLA supplementation may be effective in preserving MM, especially in the trunk region.