Newly recognized anticarcinogenic fatty acids.

Evidence leading to the recognition of the anticarcinogenic activity of the conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid (CLA) is reviewed. New data indicate that CLA has potent antioxidant activity. Because the c-9, t-11 CLA isomer is esterified in phospholipid, it may represent a heretofore unrecognized in situ defense mechanism against membrane attack by oxygen radicals.