Addition of conjugated linoleic acid in whole milk improves lipid profile in high fat diet induced hypercholesterolemia of rats

Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an isomer of linoleic acid that has been shown to have
many beneficial effects in prevention of atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular
diseases and improve immune function. Although majority of CLA in the diet are derived
from dairy product such as milk, however, the content of CLA in milk is affected by cow’s
diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of CLA supplementation
in milk for improving lipid profile in high fat diet of rats. Twenty four male Sprague Dawley
rats aged 8 weeks were given high fat diet for 3 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia.
Six rats were maintained in standard diet as control. Rats then were divided into 4 groups
i.e. normal control, negative control, high fat diet+CLA 0.5%, high fat diet + CLA 0.5%
supplemented skim milk, and high fat diet + CLA 0.5% supplemented whole milk. Blood
sample was drawn after high fat diet induced hypercholesterolemia and after 4 weeks
of treatment for total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL
cholesterol), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) analysis. Body
weight was measured each week. Results showed that body weight was significantly
increase in all groups received high fat diet (p<0.05). There was no significant difference
in body weight between treatment group (p>0.05). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and
LDL cholesterol was significantly decrease in whole milk followed by significant increase
in HDL cholesterol level. Skim milk supplemented with CLA had only modest effect on
triglyceride and HDL cholesterol level. In conclusion, CLA supplementation in whole milk
improves lipid profile in high fat diet.