CLA in Milk Fights Inflammation
Yogurt may be a star dairy product in a healthy diet, but it isn’t the only one getting attention. A type of fat found in milk inhibits substances produced by the body that play a significant role in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), this essential fatty acid is found in the milk of all grazing animals, including cows. It blocks the pathway of COX-1 and COX-2 – enzymes that trigger inflammation that can ultimately damage joints, says the study’s lead researcher, Mark Cook, PhD, professor of animal science at the university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
While the amount of CLA found in milk and other dairy products is small compared to other fatty acids in milk, Cook says there may be enough to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties if someone consumes several servings of dairy products daily. He’s planning more studies to investigate the specific amounts needed to derive the most benefit.
