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Send EmailConjugated Linoleic Acid, Linoleic Acid Conjugate, CLA, 2420-56-6
CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA)
Conjugated Linoleic Acid / Linoleic Acid Conjugate
CAS Number: 2420-56-6
1. IDENTIFICATION
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Conjugated Linoleic Acid |
| Common Names | CLA, Linoleic Acid Conjugate |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₈H₃₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 280.45 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 2420-56-6 |
| EINECS Number | 200-470-9 (for linoleic acid) |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow powder / liquid |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, organic solvents |
2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical State (20°C) | Liquid or powder (depending on form) |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow (powder) or pale yellow oil (liquid form) |
| Odor | Characteristic mild fatty odor |
| Melting Point | Varies by isomer (approx. -5°C to 10°C) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Density (20°C) | Approx. 0.90 – 0.93 g/cm³ (liquid form) |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Oils | Soluble in vegetable oils, organic solvents (ethanol, hexane, acetone) |
3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₁₈H₃₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 280.45 g/mol |
| Fatty Acid Type | Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid |
| Structure | Conjugated double bonds (double bonds are not separated by a methylene group) |
| Isomers | Multiple positional and geometric isomers (c9,t11; t10,c12 are most bioactive) |
| Antioxidant Properties | Yes – free radical scavenging activity |
| Stability | Sensitive to oxidation; store under nitrogen or with antioxidants |
Structural Difference:
-
Linoleic Acid (non-conjugated): Double bonds at C9 and C12 (separated by two single bonds)
-
CLA (conjugated): Double bonds at C9 and C11 OR C10 and C12 (directly conjugated)
4. ISOMERS OF CLA
CLA exists as a mixture of positional and geometric isomers:
| Isomer | Description | Biological Activity |
|---|---|---|
| cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11) | Most abundant in natural sources (dairy, meat) | Anti-cancer, immune support |
| trans-10, cis-12 (t10,c12) | More abundant in synthetic CLA | Fat burning, muscle building |
| cis-9, cis-11 (c9,c11) | Minor isomer | Lower activity |
| trans-9, trans-11 (t9,t11) | Minor isomer | Lower activity |
Typical Commercial CLA Blend:
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35-45% c9,t11 isomer
-
35-45% t10,c12 isomer
-
10-20% other isomers
5. NATURAL SOURCES
| Source | CLA Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grass-fed Beef | 4-10 mg/g fat | Higher than grain-fed |
| Lamb | 4-8 mg/g fat | Good natural source |
| Full-fat Dairy | 3-7 mg/g fat | Butter, whole milk, cheese |
| Goat Milk/Cheese | 3-6 mg/g fat | Moderate content |
| Vegetable Oils | Trace amounts | Safflower oil (with isomerization) |
| Human Breast Milk | 2-5 mg/g fat | Natural source for infants |
6. PRODUCTION METHODS
6.1. Natural Extraction (Minor)
-
Isolated from dairy fat or meat
-
Very low yield; expensive
6.2. Commercial Synthetic Production (Major)
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Alkaline Isomerization of Safflower Oil | Safflower oil (high linoleic acid) treated with alkali; heat and pressure to isomerize double bonds |
| Dehydration of Castor Oil | Ricinoleic acid is dehydrated to form CLA |
| Microbial Fermentation | Using specific bacterial strains (e.g., Propionibacterium) |
Typical Synthesis Route (Safflower Oil Method):
Safflower Oil (High Linoleic Acid) → Alkaline Isomerization → Neutralization → Distillation → Purification → CLA (c9,t11 + t10,c12)
7. APPLICATIONS
7.1. Dietary Supplements (Primary Use – 80%+)
| Form | Application |
|---|---|
| Softgel Capsules | Most common supplement form |
| Liquid CLA | For direct consumption or blending |
| Powder CLA | In protein powders, functional foods |
| CLA Emulsions | For beverage fortification |
7.2. Health & Wellness
| Application | Claimed Benefits (Supported by research) |
|---|---|
| Weight Management | Reduces body fat; increases lean muscle mass |
| Metabolism Support | Enhances basal metabolic rate |
| Immune Support | Modulates immune function; anti-inflammatory |
| Antioxidant | Scavenges free radicals; reduces oxidative stress |
| Anti-Cancer (Research stage) | May inhibit growth of certain cancer cells |
7.3. Sports Nutrition & Bodybuilding
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Fat Burners | Supports fat loss during calorie restriction |
| Muscle Builders | Preserves/increases lean muscle mass |
| Pre-workout Formulas | Metabolic enhancement |
| Weight Loss Supplements | Body composition improvement |
7.4. Functional Foods
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Fortified Dairy Products | Enriched with CLA for health benefits |
| Nutrition Bars | Added for weight management claims |
| Beverages | CLA emulsions in functional drinks |
| Infant Formula | Added to mimic breast milk CLA content |
7.5. Animal Feed
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Poultry Feed | Improves meat quality; reduces abdominal fat |
| Swine Feed | Increases lean meat percentage |
| Dairy Cow Feed | Naturally increases CLA in milk |
8. HEALTH BENEFITS (RESEARCH SUMMARY)
| Benefit | Mechanism | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | Increases fat oxidation; reduces fat storage via t10,c12 isomer | Strong (human studies) |
| Lean Mass Gain | Preserves muscle during weight loss | Moderate (human studies) |
| Immune Modulation | Regulates cytokine production | Moderate (animal/human) |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduces inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6) | Moderate (animal studies) |
| Anti-cancer | Induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines | Preliminary (in vitro) |
| Cardiovascular Health | May improve lipid profile | Mixed results |
| Diabetes Support | Improves insulin sensitivity | Mixed results |
9. RECOMMENDED DOSAGE (Supplements)
| Purpose | Daily Dosage (CLA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Management | 2,000 – 4,000 mg (2-4 g) | Typical: 3,200 mg/day |
| General Wellness | 1,000 – 2,000 mg (1-2 g) | Maintenance dose |
| Maximum Recommended | 6,000 mg (6 g) | Not to exceed without medical advice |
Typical Softgel Composition:
-
1,000 mg CLA per softgel
-
750-850 mg active CLA isomers (c9,t11 + t10,c12)
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Vegetable oil (carrier)
-
Antioxidants (tocopherols)
10. STORAGE & HANDLING
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, dark place |
| Temperature | Below 25°C (protect from heat) |
| Light Protection | Required – sensitive to UV light |
| Oxygen Protection | Store in airtight containers; use nitrogen blanketing for bulk |
| Shelf Life (Liquid) | 12-24 months (when stored properly with antioxidants) |
| Shelf Life (Powder) | 24-36 months (more stable than liquid) |
| Antioxidant Addition | Tocopherols, rosemary extract, ascorbyl palmitate added to prevent oxidation |
| Packaging Options | 200 L drums, 1000 kg IBC, flexibag (liquid); 25 kg drums (powder) |
Oxidation Indicators:
-
Rancid odor (paint-like smell)
-
Increased peroxide value
-
Darkening of color
11. SAFETY & HEALTH INFORMATION
GHS Classification (Typical for fatty acids)
| Hazard Class | Category |
|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 3 (mild irritation) |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2 (causes eye irritation) |
Hazard Statements (H-Codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
| H315 | Causes mild skin irritation |
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing mist/vapors |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves and eye protection |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes |
Safety Profile
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| GRAS Status (FDA) | Generally Recognized as Safe (for specified uses) |
| GRAS Status (EFSA) | Approved as novel food ingredient |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated; minor GI upset in some individuals |
| Contraindications | Consult physician before use during pregnancy/lactation |
First Aid Measures
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested. |
12. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Low toxicity; avoid large releases |
| Bioaccumulation | Low potential |
| Waste Disposal | Dispose according to local regulations; can be incinerated |
13. REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| USA (FDA) | GRAS for use as food ingredient; dietary supplement approval |
| EU (EFSA) | Novel Food approval; positive health claims restricted |
| Canada (Health Canada) | Approved as natural health product |
| Japan | Approved as food for specified health uses |
| Australia (TGA) | Listed as complementary medicine ingredient |
| Turkey | Compliant with food supplement regulations |
14. OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Conjugated Linoleic Acid | Full chemical name |
| CLA | Common abbreviation |
| Linoleic Acid Conjugate | Alternative name |
| cis-9,trans-11 CLA | Major natural isomer |
| trans-10,cis-12 CLA | Major synthetic isomer |
| CLA-80 | Common ingredient grade (80% purity) |
| 9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid | IUPAC name for c9,t11 isomer |
| 10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid | IUPAC name for t10,c12 isomer |
Database Identifiers:
-
CAS: 2420-56-6
-
EC: 200-470-9 (for linoleic acid)
-
PubChem CID: 6436385 (c9,t11), 5292135 (t10,c12)
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ChemSpider: 4593910
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UNII: 9K9L8O7Y9M
15. COMPARISON: CLA vs LINOLEIC ACID
| Property | CLA | Linoleic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Conjugated double bonds | Non-conjugated double bonds |
| CAS Number | 2420-56-6 | 60-33-3 |
| Natural Sources | Dairy, meat (low amounts) | Vegetable oils (high amounts) |
| Biological Activity | High (weight loss, immune) | Low (essential fatty acid) |
| Market Price | High (premium) | Low (commodity) |
| Primary Use | Supplements | Food ingredient |
16. QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (CLA isomers) | ≥ 80% (typical commercial grade) |
| c9,t11 Isomer | 35-45% |
| t10,c12 Isomer | 35-45% |
| Other Isomers | 10-20% |
| Linoleic Acid | ≤ 5% |
| Peroxide Value | ≤ 5 mEq/kg |
| Acid Value | ≤ 5 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Residual Solvents | ≤ 0.5% |
17. SUMMARY
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA, CAS 2420-56-6) is a conjugated form of linoleic acid, primarily produced by alkaline isomerization of safflower oil. It is widely used in dietary supplements for weight management, muscle preservation, and immune support.
Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Structure | Conjugated double bonds (c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers) |
| Form | Pale yellow oil (liquid) or powder |
| Primary Source | Synthetic from safflower oil |
| Main Activity | Fat burning, lean mass preservation |
| Regulatory Status | GRAS, Novel Food approved |
Main Application Areas:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Dietary Supplements | Weight management, fat loss, muscle building |
| Sports Nutrition | Pre-workout, fat burners, protein blends |
| Functional Foods | Fortified dairy, nutrition bars, beverages |
| Animal Feed | Lean meat enhancement (poultry, swine) |
| Pharmaceutical Research | Anti-cancer, anti-diabetic studies |
18. IMPORTANT NOTES
-
Not a Natural Isomer Blend: Natural CLA from dairy is primarily the c9,t11 isomer (75-90%). Commercial CLA supplements are typically a 50:50 blend of c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers produced synthetically.
-
Fat Loss Mechanism: The t10,c12 isomer is primarily responsible for fat-burning effects via activation of PPAR-γ and reduction of lipoprotein lipase activity.
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Oxidation Sensitivity: CLA is highly susceptible to oxidation due to its conjugated double bonds. Store under nitrogen and with antioxidants (tocopherols).
-
Dosage for Results: Clinical studies typically use 3,000-4,000 mg/day for 12-24 weeks to see measurable fat loss results. Results are modest (average 2-4 lbs fat loss).
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Not a Magic Pill: CLA works best when combined with calorie restriction and regular exercise. Alone, effects are limited.
-
Individual Response: Not everyone responds to CLA supplementation. Genetic factors and baseline body composition affect results.
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Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated. Some individuals experience mild gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach) at high doses.
-
GRAS Status: CLA is FDA GRAS for use in certain foods and beverages at specified levels (typically 0.5-1.5 g per serving).
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The health claims described are based on research but may not be approved in all jurisdictions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
