MacRedmond R et al., “Conjugated linoleic acid improves airway hyper-reactivity in overweight mild asthmatics,” Journal of Clinical & Experimental Allergy, vol. 40 (July 2010): 1071-78.
In what Cognis Nutrition & Health (La Grange, IL) says is the first study of its kind, researchers studied the effects of Cognis’s Tonalin conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) ingredient, touted for weight and body-fat management, on mild asthmatics.
The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, funded in part by Cognis, involved 28 adults (ages 19 to 40) with mild asthma. Subjects were randomized to received 4.5 g/day of CLA or placebo, in addition to their usual asthma treatment.
The researchers found that Tonalin improved airway hyperreactivity in overweight, mildly asthmatic adults. Researchers also determined a significant improvement in the subjects’ tolerance for strenuous exercise. Moreover, Tonalin subjects also reduced their body weight and Body Mass Index by an average of 4.4 lb and 0.5 kg/m2, respectively, which the researchers say was associated with a metabolically favorable change in adipokine concentrations.
“We encourage further studies to elucidate the role of CLA in a broader asthma population,” the researchers stated.
The Nutritional Outlook Podcast Episode 39: Nutritional Outlook's Ingredients to Watch in 2025
February 25th 2025In this episode, Nutritional Outlook interviews Scott Dicker, market insights director from market researcher SPINS, about ingredients and product categories nutraceutical and nutrition product manufacturers should watch in 2025.