Current Knowledge on Source and Synthesis of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A Review

Lipids may be bounded as “fatty acids, their derivatives, and substances connected biosynthetically or functionally to these compounds” [1]. It mainly consists of triacylglycerol (TAG’s), which are molecules composed of three fatty acids and glycerol (phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol also included) [2] and generally found in the tissues of microorganisms, plants, animals and insects [3-6]. TAG’s and fatty acids accelerated the absorption of other fat-soluble components such as vitamins. As well with proteins, carbohydrates, and alcohol, fats are a major source of energy for the body and also serve many essential functions (e.g. Structural components of cell membrane, regulators of enzyme activities (e.g. protein myristoylation), precursors for bioactive molecules, and regulation of gene expression). Fatty acids can be categorized according to their number of double bonds. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) have no double bonds, while monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) have one double bond and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have two or more double bonds [2]. PUFA have 2 to 6 double bonds and PUFA having 20 or more carbon atoms are usually termed as LCPUFA both are essential for physiological activities of the organism.