Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively characterized
due to its many biological activities and health benefits, but conjugated
linolenic acid (CLnA) is still not well understood. However, CLnA
has shown to be more effective than CLA as a potential functional
food ingredient. Current research has not thoroughly investigated
the differences and advantages between CLnA and CLA. This article
compares CLnA and CLA based on molecular characteristics, including
structural, chemical, and metabolic characteristics. Then, the in vivo research evidence of CLnA on various health benefits
is comprehensively reviewed and compared with CLA in terms of effectiveness
and mechanism. Furthermore, the potential of CLnA in production technology
and product protection is analyzed. In general, CLnA and CLA have
similar physicochemical properties of conjugated molecules and share
many similarities in regulation effects and pathways of various health
benefits as well as in the production methods. However, their specific
properties, regulatory capabilities, and unique mechanisms are different.
The superior potential of CLnA must be specified according to the
practical application patterns of isomers. Future research should
focus more on the advantageous characteristics of different isomers,
especially the effectiveness and safety in clinical applications in
order to truly exert the potential value of CLnA.