Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; 18:2n-7t) occurs naturally in the diet from dairy products and ruminant meats. CLA is highly produced when cows are fed pasture-based diets compared to conserved forage or grain. CLA has been reported to possibly protect against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to examine the association between CLA levels in adipose tissue and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). For that purpose, the 9c,11t-CLA isomer was measured in adipose tissue samples from 3,626 individuals in Costa Rica with and without a history of nonfatal MI. Data revealed that higher adipose tissue 9c,11t-CLA was associated with lower risk of MI. There was no association observed between dairy products and risk of MI. Moreover, subjects with higher adipose tissue 9c,11t-CLA values had higher 9c,11t-CLA and dairy product intakes. However, there are reported adverse effects of saturated fat in dairy products on the risk of MI. These results appear to support the counterbalancing effect of 9c,11t-CLA in dairy products on the risk of MI. More studies are required before promoting CLA intake for MI prevention.
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