High dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio and simple carbohydrates as a potential risk factors for gallstone disease: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background & aims: Gallstone disease (GD) is a major cause for consultation at general surgery services worldwide. In fact, GD has a strong relationship with environmental factors. However, specific characteristics in the Mexican population have not been established. The aim of this study was to compare the dietary components, physical activity, body composition and serum lipids in women with and without GD.

Methods: 54 women with GD and 75 without GD from West Mexico were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was obtained through a habitual day food record and analyzed using the Nutritionist Pro™ software. Physical activity was evaluated in accordance with WHO recommendations. Body fat percentage (BF%) was estimated by bioimpedance (InBody 370) and serum lipids were measured using dry chemistry (Vitros-250 Analyzer). Student's t-test and binary logistic regression model were used.

Results: Women with GD presented a higher BF% (40 ± 8.7 vs 35.21 ± 9.8%, p = 0.004), an elevated dietary ω-6:ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio (18.0 ± 11.4 vs 10.9 ± 4.7, p<0.001) and a higher simple carbohydrates (sCH) intake (28.3 ± 17.8 vs 13.23 ± 8.2%, p<0.001) as well as lower HDL-cholesterol levels (37.43 ± 8.5 vs 46.6 ± 12.02 mg/dL, p<0.001) compared with women without GD. Furthermore, it was foun d a higher ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio (OR: 3.9, 95% CI 1.52-10.38, p = 0.005) and excessive sCH consumption (OR: 7.4, 95% CI 1.92-28.65, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: We suggest that a high dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio and an excessive sCH intake are associated with an increased risk of GD in women.

Keywords: Diet; Gallstone disease; Physical activity; Simple carbohydrates; ω-6:ω-3 PUFAs ratio.