Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Body Fat in Overweight Children

Effect of CLA Supplementation on Body Fat Accretion Among Children Who Are Overweight or at Risk of Overweight

The prevalence of overweight children has increased dramatically over the last decade, and many overweight children will remain overweight as adults. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring dietary fatty acid, has shown promising results in reducing body fat among adults, and we propose to test the efficacy of CLA supplementation on body fat accretion in 6 to 10 year old children who are overweight or at risk of overweight.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 6 to 10 years
• body mass index greater than 85th percentile
• Tanner stage I

Exclusion Criteria:

• medical condition
• dairy allergy