Amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in German foods and evaluation of daily intake

The quantities of the biologically active isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) - C18:2 c9t11 - in 139 German foods were analysed by capillary gas chromatography (results are given as a % of all identified fatty acid methyl esters). The CLA content ranged from 0.40% (Gouda) to 1.70% (Jurassic cheese, Old Emmentaler) in dairy products, from 0.11% (rabbit) to 1.20% (lamb) in meat, and from 0.01% (pike-perch) to 0.09% (carp) in fish. CLA could be detected in neither vegetable fats or oils nor in margarines (CLA <0.01%). Crisps, chocolates, cakes and pastries, and other foods have only a negligible CLA content. The average estimated CLA intake in Germany was calculated to be 0.35g CLA/day for women and 0.43g CLA/day for men.