Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

Fett/Lipid 1999 Jul;101(7):235-43

Impact of novel methodologies on the analysis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Implications of CLA feeding studies

Mossoba MM, Kramer JKG, Yurawecz MP, Sehat N, Roach JAG, Eulitz K, Fritsche J, Dugan MER, Ku Y

Interest in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has increased in the past decade as a result of reports of several health benefits related to its consumption. Naturally occurring CLA isomers are found in milk, dairy, and meat products from ruminants. Detailed isomeric composition of CLA in different chemical and biological matrices had been hindered by the lack of adequate analytical techniques. New methodologies were developed and used to determine the distribution of major and minor geometric and positional CLA isomers in cheese, beef, cow milk, human adipose, and human milk. Base-catalyzed methylation was used. A novel silver ion high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure was developed, which successfully resolved up to 16 isomers. The double bond configuration and position for CLA isomers were confirmed by gas chromatography (GC)-direct deposition-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and GC-electron ionization mass spectrometry, respectively: The incorporation of CLA isomers in tissues of animals fed CLA diets was also determined. Currently available analytical data suggest the need to re-evaluate prior CLA studies and their nutritional and biological implications.