9(Z),11(Z)-Octadecadienoic acid

9(Z),11(Z)-Octadecadienoic acid is a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an isomer of linoleic acid. CLA is found mostly in lipids originating in ruminant animals including dairy products. It has several biological properties including anticarcinogenic activity, suppressing in vitro growth of human melanoma, colorectal, and breast cancer cells, and exhibiting anti-atherogenic activity.1 It is thought that CLA itself may not have anti-oxidant capabilities but may produce substances which protect cells from the detrimental effects of peroxides. Due to its being a minor component it is very helpful as a comparison to the major isomers 9(Z),11(E)-CLA and 10(E),12(Z)-CLA. 9(Z),11(Z)-CLA has been demonstrated to have a more potent antiproliferative effect than the more common 9(Z),11(E)-CLA isomer when incubated with human colon cancer cells.