Original Communication
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 508–517. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602102 Published online 12 January 2005
Effect of CLA supplementation on immune function in young healthy volunteers
Guarantor: KWJ Wahle.
Contributors: KJWJ, DR, IM, SDH designed the study supervised experiment work. H-JS, IG conducted experiment work. NS analysed CRP results. H-JS wrote the manuscript with input from all authors.
H-J Song1,2, I Grant2, D Rotondo3, I Mohede4, N Sattar5, S D Heys6 and K W J Wahle1,2
- 1Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK
- 2The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
- 3Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- 4Loders-Croklaan,Wormerveer, The Netherlands
- 5Pathological Biochemistry, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK
- 6Surgical & Nutritional Oncology, Medical School, Aberdeen University, UK
Correspondence: KWJ Wahle, The Robert Gordon University, St Andrew Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1HG, UK. E-mail: k.wahle-l@rgu.ac.uk
Received 24 February 2004; Revised 16 November 2004; Accepted 18 November 2004; Published online 12 January 2005.
Abstract
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 
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<0.05 and 0.01 respectively), while plasma IgE levels were decreased (P<0.05). CLA supplementation also decreased the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-
and IL-1
(P<0.05), but increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 (P<0.05). Another aspect of immune function, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, was decreased during and after CLA supplementation (P<0.05). However, plasma glucose, lipids, lymphocyte phenotypic results were not affected significantly by CLA.
Conclusion:
This is the first study to show that CLA, a fatty acid naturally found in dairy and meat products, can beneficially affect immune function in healthy human volunteers.
Sponsorship:
This study was supported by Loders-Croklaan, The Netherlands and SEERAD (Scottish Executive Environmental Rural and Agriculture Department).
Keywords:
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), immune function, fatty acids, human
