257
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Studies in humans

Salivary endocannabinoids as mediators in the relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid ratio intake from highly-processed foods and anthropometric markers of health in women

ORCID Icon, , , &
Pages 235-241 | Received 21 Feb 2019, Accepted 12 Jun 2019, Published online: 25 Jun 2019
 

Abstract

Data suggest that a high ω6 to ω3 ratio (ω6:ω3) contributes to obesity. Highly processed foods are a common source of high ω6:ω3 and have also been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We hypothesised that salivary endocannabinoids (eCBs) act as a mediator between ω6:ω3 from highly processed foods and anthropometric markers of cardiovascular risk. Finally, we explored sex differences on these parameters. Participants filled a self-report intake frequency inventory. Body measurements were registered, and fasted saliva was collected and analysed using LC/MRM. Overweight subjects consuming more highly processed foods, but not those consuming more whole foods, presented an increased ω6:ω3 and salivary eCB levels. Also, the ω6:ω3 ratio in participants consuming highly processed but not whole foods predicted eCB levels in overweight women. Finally, we show that salivary eCBs correlate with body composition in women only. Our study shows that the food source has a differential impact on physiological and behavioural aspects of food intake.

Graphical Abstract

Author contributions

E.T. designed the study; P.Z. and E.T. collected the data; E.T. and L.B. analysed the data and wrote the manuscript; E.T., L.B., P.Z., B.L., and J.M. reviewed, commented and collaborated in the last version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

E.T. was financially supported by the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung under the “Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers” programme during the development of this work.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.