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

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

Keywords:

• Body composition
• endocannabinoids
• fatty acid intake
• lipidomics
• omega-6/omega-3 ratio
• processed food

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.