Red Deer, Alta., February 13, 2006: New knowledge of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is at the heart of growing evidence that beef and dairy products may be among the most promising health foods of the future.
Now a broad, Alberta-based network of experts is in place to help turn that promise into reality. It's called the CLA Network, and it's poised to deliver major benefits to the beef and dairy industries and to consumers.
"Canadian researchers have been very active in studying CLA health benefits, the impact on animals and the methods of increasing CLA in both beef and dairy products," says Vince Ohama, CLA Network manager with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD). "Together with their international colleagues, these researchers are making dramatic strides toward tapping the unique and potentially powerful benefits of this food component."
CLA is a unique fat, found naturally in dairy and beef products, that is showing considerable potential for human health benefits related to cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and bone density. Studies have confirmed ruminant meats and dairy products already contain natural CLA, and there is strong potential to enhance these levels through a variety of livestock production strategies, including simple livestock dietary changes.
Though research is in early stages and based largely on animal models, the potentially broad and clinically significant benefits of CLA have earned it increasing recognition as a wonder nutrient of the future.
"We are very excited and encouraged by the new research knowledge on CLA," says Dr. Spencer Proctor, a CLA Network researcher and director of the Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory at the University of Alberta. "We are learning that CLA is important for many human biological systems and has excellent potential to support human health."
The CLA Network was founded in Alberta in 2001 through a collaborative effort involving government, academia and industry. It includes representatives from many areas of expertise such as research, food industry, health and communications.
Network activity is based around several modules working together towards a common goal. These modules cover the areas of dairy production, beef production, animal mechanisms, human health, market research, product development and communications.
Major advances in CLA are expected regularly over the next several years and the CLA Network is a key link to global progress, says Ohama. "A key part of the CLA Network is communications. Watch for more information on CLA benefits and CLA Network activity regularly throughout the year. We also welcome questions and comments at any time."
More information on CLA and the CLA Network is available on the Web, at www.CLAnetwork.com.
Vince Ohama, CLA Network Manager
Phone: (403) 340-5545
Email: CLAnetwork@gov.ab.ca
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