Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Meat and Meat Products: A Review

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) consists of a group of geometric and positional isomers of linoleic acid to which anticancerogenic, antidiabetic, and antiatherogenic effects, as well as effects on immune system, bone metabolism, and body composition are attributed. CLA is found predominantly in milk and meat of ruminants due to the importance of rumen micro-organism in the formation of CLA and its precursors. This review attempts to give an overview of the available data on intramuscular CLA concentrations in meat and meat products originating from different animal species. The factors influencing these concentrations are discussed and the estimated human daily intakes as well as the percentage provided by meat are reported.