J. E. Santora*,
D. L. Palmquist* 1,
K. L. Roehrig+
*The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
+The Ohio State University Department of Food Science and Technology
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been associated with many health benefits such as inhibiting cancer. Trans fatty acids have been associated with health risk such as atherosclerosis. Researchers have suggested that trans11 18:1 can be converted to CLA by the action of the enzyme D9 desaturase. Two studies were conducted to quantify the conversion of dietary trans11 18:1 to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and to determine metabolic modifiers that may influence the conversion in mice. Approximately 50% of the stored trans11 18:1 was desaturated to CLA in both experiments. Clofibrate, used to induce activity of the enzyme, did not increase conversion of trans11 18:1 to CLA; however, the conversion was reduced by a diet containing high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Desaturation of dietary trans11 18:1 is an important source of CLA for the body. Since both trans11 18:1 and CLA are found in milk fat, our data show that milk fat is an important contributor to a healthy diet.
1For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 312 Gerlaugh Hall, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691; 330-263-3795; fax: 330-263-3949; e-mail: palmquist.1@osu.edu