The Dual Role of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

The Dual Role of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Magendran Rajendran School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai Tamil Nadu India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6636-1200 Shanmugasundaram Palani School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai Tamil Nadu India Thakur Gurjeet Singh Chitkara College of Pharmacy Chitkara University Patiala Punjab India Brian Oliver School of Life Sciences University of Technology Sydney City Campus Ultimo New South Wales Australia Kaml Dua Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7507-1159 Vetriselvan Subramaniyan Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences Sunway University, Malaysia Petaling Jaya Selangor Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9629-9494 Kumaran Narayanan Jeffrey Cheah School of Medical and Health Sciences Monash University Subang Jaya Malaysia ABSTRACT

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (cis‐9, trans‐11, CLA)/(trans‐10, cis‐12, CLA) has been extensively studied for its role in obesity control and metabolic diseases. This review explores the molecular characteristics of CLA, its metabolic pathways, and its inconsistent effects on lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, energy expenditure, and inflammation. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that CLA may promote fat oxidation and modulate adipocyte function; however, inconsistent findings highlight dose‐dependent outcomes and individual variability in response. The dual nature of CLA, showing both beneficial and adverse effects, raises questions about its long‐term safety and efficacy. This review critically examines CLA's molecular role in obesity and metabolic regulation, providing insights into its therapeutic promise and limitations. Future research should focus on personalized approaches to CLA supplementation, considering genetic and lifestyle factors for tailored nutritional guidance.
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