Introduction

CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, is a fatty acid that can potentially be used as a cancer-preventive agent. However, in this section, you will find the answer to the main question of whether CLA supplements can help prevent cancer based on the research available on the topic. This article will strive to analyze the evidence.

What is CLA, and How May It Aid Cancer Prevention?

CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a positional and geometric isomer of linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid. The CLAs are known to occur naturally in meat and dairy foods. The two advanced types of CLA are cis-9, trans-11 CLA, and trans-10, cis-12 CLA.

Early studies indicated that CLAs can possess anti-carcinogenic effects, such as decreased tumor growth rates and the induction of cancer cell death. These may include modifications to signaling, differences in the cell's gene plan, and anti-inflammatory signaling. This led to interest in using CLA as a cancer prevention supplement because it is believed that supplementing with CLA would help prevent cells from turning into cancerous cells in the initial stage.

CLA for Breast Cancer Prevention

Previous studies have applied CLAs predominantly to reduce the chances of breast cancer reoccurrence and death in women who have already been diagnosed. Some of these studies have been meta-analyzed, and the findings which have been reviewed indicate some hope. For instance, a meta-analysis of 8 trials on the effects of CLA supplementation demonstrated that it reduced breast cancer recurrence by 22% compared to the placebo.

However, no sufficient data is available yet, and most research is rooted in animal and cell studies about primary breast cancer prevention in disease-free populations. However, one recent human study that looked at the relationship between blood levels of one of the CLA isomers and breast cancer risk suggested that the higher the levels, the lower the risk of developing the disease. However, further trials that are more extensive are required before extending the use of CLAs for breast cancer prevention supplements among healthy women.

CLA for Colorectal Carcinoma Prevention

Furthermore, some positive signals can be considered when investigating the results of CLA as one of the cancer prevention supplements with the potential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For instance, a cross-sectional study showed that CLA supplement users had a low risk of incidence of colorectal tumors or polyps by 34-64%.

However, the same applies to most studies conducted on animals and cells. More research of this type remains to be carried out on human subjects. It is established that subjects with higher concentrations of CLA consume fewer calories and have reduced incidence of adiposity; however, there is insufficient substance to recommend that CLA is protective against CRC. As with breast cancer, more research is needed to bear out the preventive effects of CLA on colorectal cancer.

In a 2002 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Arterburn et al. examined the link between CLA and three types of cancer: prostate, lung, and breast. As highlighted earlier, the results indicated that CLA supplementation had limited effects on these three types of cancer.

CLA in Cancer Prevention

Although CLA has demonstrated cancer prevention efficacy for some cancers, its adverse effects may also be considered. CLA can also have some detrimental consequences, which include fatty liver, insulin intolerance, and oxidative stress. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer appears to have a fairly high risk of side effects.

Various sources have claimed that the possible side effects of taking CLAs outweigh the potential benefits linked to reducing cancer risks. Further studies regarding the right dose of the extract must still be done. Supplements such as CLAs, designed for cancer prevention, should only be taken with the permission of a doctor and under proper supervision.

Is CLA a Promising Cancer Prevention?

CLA supplements may not be taken exclusively to help prevent cancer at the moment, and one should consult a doctor before taking these supplements. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to be studied: the role of extrinsic motivation, the optimum conditions for the use of intrinsic motivation, the relationship between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and performance, etc. People’s data are still scarce, and there are no samples of clinical trials that would show that it can prevent CLA.

Food sources, such as grass-fed beef and dairy, offer little threat when consumed as a component of a balanced, healthy diet and may even provide additional benefits. Also, CLA consumption within a diet can contribute to omega-6 requirements within some limits. For the best quality CLA supplement, visit Genetic Nutrition!

In the future, more efficient trials may demonstrate that CLAs like cis-9 and trans-11 can be helpful in cancer prevention supplements. However, more research needs to be conducted on the proper form, dose, treatment duration, and safety of artesunate. It is always advisable to discuss this with your doctor before you begin using CLA supplements for cancer prevention or for any other reason.

Conclusion

The work to determine that CLA also fits cancer prevention supplement regimens is ongoing. Despite the encouraging findings in decreasing the risks of some types of cancer, clinical trials are still relatively reported. This is also the case with any harm that may be associated with the supplement, and before taking CLA supplements, one needs to consider the following.

Those who wish to promote cancer prevention should focus on specific aspects such as the need to lose excess weight, consume fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods, engage in physical exercises, and reduce their alcohol consumption. CLA also does not greatly threaten humans when it is consumed in reasonable amounts from healthy food.

However, there is still insufficient scientific evidence and medical advice to suggest that simple CLA supplements like cis-9 and trans-11 can help prevent cancer. Further research to establish the preventive effectiveness of CLAs will assist in determining whether or not CLAs should be featured in cancer prevention supplement schemes.

FAQs

Q: Have any studies been done on CLA supplements' effectiveness in preventing cancer?

A: Promising evidence of CLA in cancer prevention has been observed in rodents; however, human trial data is still limited. CLA supplements may have protective effects against some cancers but also seem toxic. However, further studies are required regarding the correct utilization of CLA in preventing cancer.

Q: Which foods are rich in cancer-preventing conjugated linoleic acid?

A: The natural sources to obtain cancer-preventing substances, including CLAs, are grass-fed beef and dairy products, along with lamb. It was also discovered that CLAs are less in grain-fed meat and dairy products.

Q: What are the effects of CLA supplements on health? Are they safe?

A: In food sources, CLAs are considered safe, especially for most healthy adults and in moderate portion sizes as part of the recommended food pyramid. However, there are side effects, such as fatty liver, in people who take CLA supplements in high doses on a long-term basis. They should be taken with great care and only as per the advice of a doctor or a qualified medical practitioner.

Q: Is CLA a supplement that should be taken to help prevent breast cancer?

A: A growing body of evidence suggests that CLA can indeed serve as a breast cancer-preventing supplement, but these are still inconclusive. CLA from foods seems to pose no harm and can possibly help in prevention. However, there is no evidence yet that suggests CLA supplements should be taken without medical advice solely for breast cancer prevention. More thorough trials on human subjects are still applicable first.

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