The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on blood pressure and endothelial function in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Background: Findings of studies investigating the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on blood pressure (BP) and endothelial function are controversial.Method: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to explore the effects of CLA supplementation on BP and endothelial function. Two authors independently searched electronic databases using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until March 2022, in order to find relevant RCTs.Results: Eighteen RCTs with 20 effect sizes met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for meta-analysis. CLA supplementation did not significantly alter systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD:-0.48; 95% CI:-3.23, 2.27), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD:-0.71; 95% CI:-3.54, 2.12), and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) (WMD:-34.02; 95% CI:-88.08, 20.03) levels. However, CLA supplementation significantly reduced intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) (WMD:-8.02; 95% CI:-13.95,-2.09) level.Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed CLA association with reduction of ICAM. The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022331108.