Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been investigated for its potential effects on bone health and the management of osteoporosis, though the evidence supporting its use remains preliminary and limited. Animal studies, particularly in rodents, have indicated that CLA supplementation may enhance bone mineral density by modulating bone metabolism—possibly through influencing the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) and osteoblasts (cells that build bone). Some mechanisms proposed include a reduction in bone resorption and improvements in calcium absorption. However, human data are sparse and mostly limited to small-scale clinical trials or observational studies. The available human research has not consistently shown significant benefits of CLA supplementation on bone mineral density or osteoporosis-related outcomes. For example, some randomized controlled trials suggest no significant improvement in bone health markers among postmenopausal women or other at-risk groups after CLA supplementation. The evidence base is further limited by variations in dosage, study duration, and populations studied. There is no significant tradition of CLA use for osteoporosis in herbal or folk medicine; its use in this context is primarily based on emerging biomedical research rather than historical practice. Thus, while there is early scientific rationale for exploring CLA’s role in bone health, robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating or preventing osteoporosis is currently lacking. More well-designed, large-scale human studies are needed before CLA can be recommended for this purpose.

More about conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
More about Osteoporosis

Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

Other health conditions supported by conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Products containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)