In the early eighties a substance isolated from grilled ground beef by Dr. Michael W. Pariza and his research team at the University of Wisconsin was found to inhibit the development of tumors in mice. After further study the substance was identified as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a derivative of linoleic acid that is found widely in vegetable oils and animal fats. Today Loders Croklaan Lipid Nutrition produces CLA from vegetable oils under the brand name Clarinol™ CLA

Discovered by Booth 
CLA is a derivative of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid found in large amounts in our regular diet. The presence of conjugated fatty acids in milk fat was first established over 66 years ago (Booth et al. 1935). Increased UV light absorption pointed to an increase in conjugated fatty acids in milk which was observed after cows where turned out to pasture in the spring. The biological activity of CLA however was unknown until Pariza’s discovery, which set off an explosion of research in this area.

High Potential
Extensive research is underway to determine the total health benefit potential of CLA. The increase in research and general interest in CLA has led to commercial production from vegetable oils high in linoleic acid, like safflower oil.