Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has shown a wide range of biologically beneficial effects; reduction of incidence and severity of animal carcinogenesis, reduction of the adverse effects of immune stimulation, reduction of severity of atherosclerosis, growth promotion in young rats, and modulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD). One of the most interesting aspects of CLA is its ability to reduce body fat while enhancing lean body mass which is associated with the trans-10,cis-12 isomer of CLA. The effects of CLA are unique characteristics that have not been observed with other polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this review, we will focus on the effects of CLA on immune responses, body compositional changes and stearoyl-CoA desaturase.