New research suggests naturally occurring acid could effectively treat Crohnâs disease
A research team at Virginia Tech has uncovered new information on the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in treating Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. CLA is a naturally occurring acid that is found in meats and dairy products. It is known for having anti-cancer and immune modulatory properties. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and its causes are not fully understood. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, skin and mouth ulcers, and diarrhea or constipation. “In our recent open label study of CLA as a supplement in study subjects with mild to moderate CD there was a marked improvement in disease activity and quality of life in 50 percent of the subjects,” Kim L. Isaacs, an author of the study, said. CLA could offer effective relief of Crohn’s disease without the negative side effects of synthetic drugs. It can be administered in capsules or through bacteria that produces CLA.