Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

The article distinguishes CLA from man-made trans fats by describing it as beneficial and supplementable. CLA behaves differently from typical pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats. Food-sourced CLA from grass-fed products is preferred over supplemental CLA because it comes in its natural fatty acid matrix alongside other beneficial nutrients. CLA is a naturally occurring fat found in animal-based foods that belongs to the omega-6 fatty acid family. CLA is found in dairy products, animal fat, and egg yolks from ruminant animals. CLA is produced by healthy gut bacteria, especially bifida bacteria. Conjugated linoleic acid is described as a unique natural trans fat. Grass-fed animal products are described as richer sources of CLA than products from corn-fed cows.