Effects of dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid on experimental human rhinovirus infection and illness

Study answer

What this study found

CLA supplementation did not significantly reduce the frequency or severity of colds caused by HRV. It provided no consistent benefits on cough and sore throat symptoms compared to placebo.

Study & population

Study 1 involved 50 participants susceptible to HRV type-39; Study 2 included 80 participants susceptible to Hank's HRV, all aged 18-45 and healthy.

Intervention

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on rhinovirus infection and related symptoms in healthy volunteers.

Key limitation

Small sample sizes limited the ability to detect subtle effects; the second study did not confirm previously observed benefits on symptoms.

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Original abstract