Hemp seed in mice under HFHS: role of the endocannabinoidome-gut microbiome axis

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids supports cardiometabolic health. These fatty acids may impart their health benefits partly by modulating the endocannabinoidome as well as the gut microbiome, both of which are key regulators cardiometabolic health and obesity. Whole hemp seeds (cannabis sativa) are of exceptional nutritional value, being rich omega-3 fatty acids. We assessed the effects of dietary supplementation of whole hemp seeds in comparison to whole linseeds in a diet-induced obesity mouse model and determined their effects on obesity and the gut microbiome-endocannabinoidome axis. We show that whole linseed supplementation increased weight gain and adiposity in mice, while hemp seeds had no effect.