Risk assessment of "other substances" - conjugated linoleic acids. Opinion of the Panel on Nutrition, Dietetic Products, Novel Food and Allergy of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety

Abstract

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, assessed the risk of specified doses of CLAs in food supplements. VKM concludes that: • In adults (≥18 years), the specified doses 3.0, 3.25 and 3.5 g/day CLAs in food supplements are considered to be unlikely to cause adverse health effects if used for up to six months. • CLA may cause lipid- and carbohydrate disturbances in obese men with metabolic syndrome as well as in overweight/obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. • Use of CLA supplements in lactating and pregnant women may cause reduction in milk production and in the content on milk fat and cause decreased birth weight andlength in their off-springs. • No conclusion can be made for children and adolescents. • Data are insufficient to conclude regarding use of CLAs for more than six months.