Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a family of at least 28 isomers of linoleic acid found especially in the meat and dairy products derived from ruminants. As the name implies, the double bonds of CLAs are conjugated.
CLAs were discovered accidentally by researchers looking for mutagens in beef. The dairy and beef industries have taken note of CLA's healthy benefits and are researching the natural enrichement of CLA in foods.