A new study has helped explain the mechanisms by which conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in the laboratory. CLA is a fatty acid (found primarily in dairy foods and meat) which has been shown to inhibit the growth of both estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer cells. The authors show that CLA alters ER transcriptional activities and inhibits cancer cell adhesion and migration.

Previous laboratory studies confirm CLA benefit but population studies do not

Previous laboratory studies have also found that CLA inhibits breast cancer cell growth and migration. CLA may also enhance the effectiveness of tamoxifen. However, most studies that have investigated the association between CLA intake in the diet and risk of breast cancer in women have failed to find a protective effect for CLA. For example, a 2009 Swedish prospective study which included 61,433 women found no significant association between dietary CLA intake and risk of breast cancer, overall or by ER and PR status of the tumors. A 2002 large prospective Netherlands population study found a weak positive association between CLA intake and the risk breast cancer (i.e., CLA intake was correlated with increased risk of breast cancer).

Food sources of CLA

It is possible that the chemoprotective effects of CLA were overwhelmed in the studies mentioned above by the cancer-promoting properties of high-CLA foods such as beef, cheese, milk and butter commonly consumed by Europeans. Those who wish to increase their CLA intake are better off eating more eggs, low-fat yogurt, kefir, and white button mushrooms, all of which are dietary sources of CLA that have been found to be associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

CLA supplements and breast cancer

Although we do not recommend supplementation with CLA, we wish to advise those who do to avoid the t10,c12-CLA isomer (referred to on some supplement labels as Trans-10, Cis-12). The t10,c12 CLA isomer can damage the heart and was found to enhance mammary tumor development two separate rodent experiments.