| abstract |
The present invention relates to methods for altering the fatty acid composition in milk or tissue fat directly derived from a milk producing ruminant. The methods consist of administering to said milk producing ruminant a suitable amount of a chemical compound selected from the vitamin E family, or a structurally or functionally related compound or derivative thereof. At high doses, vitamin E influences ruminal biohydrogenation and allows the production of milk or tissue fat with a highly desirable fatty acid profile: high trans-11 C18:1, high cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (CLA), low trans-10 C18:1. Methods are disclosed to obtain said desirable fatty acid profile, thereby improving the nutritional benefits to human health associated with CLA. Milk and tissue fat obtained by said methods are also disclosed. Dietary intakes of cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 CLA and trans-11 C18:1 fatty acids in milk or meat, or products thereof, produced in accordance with the present invention in ruminant animals, can be effective in preventing cancer in different sites, reduce risk of coronary heart disease and to enhance immune function. |