The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation on Body Composition, Leptin and Muscle Strength of Non-Athletic Men

The supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in animal studies has shown to increase the lean body mass and reduces the fat mass. Few studies have been investigating the effects of CLA supplementation in human. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplementation on body composition, serum leptin and muscle strength in non-athletic men.
In this semi-experimental, double-blind study, 24 non-athletic men were randomly assigned to two groups; the supplement (12) and placebo (n=12) groups. The supplement group took 3 gr CLA/d and the control group or placebo group received the same amount of nutrients as the supplement group but without the addition of CLA. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention in order to determine the levels of leptin. Body fat mass, lean body mass percent and muscular strength were also measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 19 using independent and paired-samples T-test.
There were not significant differences in serum leptin levels between the groups examined. In addition, significant differences were not observed in muscle strength, fat and lean body mass percents.
6 weeks of supplementation with conjugated Linoleic Acid did not improve the body composition, serum leptin levels and muscle strength in non-athletic men.