Triglyceride: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:35, 10 February 2025

Triglyceride

File:Fat triglyceride shorthand formula.PNG

Shorthand formula of a triglyceride

File:Unsaturated Triglyceride Structural Formula V1.svg

Structural formula of an unsaturated triglyceride

A triglyceride is an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat. They are a type of lipid found in the blood and are stored in fat cells. When the body needs energy, it releases triglycerides from fat cells into the bloodstream.

Structure

Triglycerides are composed of a glycerol backbone bonded to three fatty acid chains. The fatty acids can be the same or different, and they can be saturated or unsaturated. The structure of triglycerides can be represented in shorthand form, as shown in the image.

Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

File:Stearic acid.svg

Structure of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid

File:Palmitoleic acid structure.png

Structure of palmitoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain, which means they are "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. The presence of double bonds introduces kinks in the chain, affecting the physical properties of the triglyceride.

Function

Triglycerides serve as a major form of energy storage in the body. They are stored in adipose tissue and can be broken down into glycerol and fatty acids to be used as energy when needed. Triglycerides also play a role in insulating the body and protecting organs.

Health Implications

High levels of triglycerides in the blood can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is important to maintain healthy levels of triglycerides through diet and exercise. Factors that can increase triglyceride levels include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in carbohydrates.

Related Pages

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-'''Triglycerides''' are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.
+== Triglyceride ==
-==Structure==
+[[File:Fat_triglyceride_shorthand_formula.PNG|thumb|right|Shorthand formula of a triglyceride]]
-Triglycerides are derived from [[glycerol]] and three [[fatty acids]]. They are made by the body from the food we eat and are also found in the food we eat.
+[[File:Unsaturated_Triglyceride_Structural_Formula_V1.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of an unsaturated triglyceride]]
-==Function==
+A '''triglyceride''' is an [[ester]] derived from [[glycerol]] and three [[fatty acids]]. Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat. They are a type of [[lipid]] found in the blood and are stored in fat cells. When the body needs energy, it releases triglycerides from fat cells into the bloodstream.
-Triglycerides provide your body with energy, but high levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of [[heart disease]].
-==Measurement==
+== Structure ==
-Triglyceride levels are usually measured in the blood as part of a [[lipid profile]] or [[lipid panel]]. The results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
-==Health implications==
+Triglycerides are composed of a glycerol backbone bonded to three fatty acid chains. The fatty acids can be the same or different, and they can be [[saturated]] or [[unsaturated]]. The structure of triglycerides can be represented in shorthand form, as shown in the image.
-High levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream have been linked to [[atherosclerosis]] and, by extension, the risk of [[heart disease]] and [[stroke]]. However, it is unclear if triglycerides themselves are a source of these diseases, or if the high levels are a sign of other problems.
-==See also==
+=== Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids ===
-* [[Lipid profile]]
-* [[Heart disease]]
-* [[Stroke]]
-* [[Atherosclerosis]]
+[[File:Stearic_acid.svg|thumb|right|Structure of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid]]
+[[File:Palmitoleic_acid_structure.png|thumb|right|Structure of palmitoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid]]
+Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain, which means they are "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. The presence of double bonds introduces kinks in the chain, affecting the physical properties of the triglyceride.
+== Function ==
+Triglycerides serve as a major form of energy storage in the body. They are stored in [[adipose tissue]] and can be broken down into [[glycerol]] and [[fatty acids]] to be used as energy when needed. Triglycerides also play a role in insulating the body and protecting organs.
+== Health Implications ==
+High levels of triglycerides in the blood can be a risk factor for [[cardiovascular disease]]. It is important to maintain healthy levels of triglycerides through diet and exercise. Factors that can increase triglyceride levels include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in carbohydrates.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Lipid]]
+* [[Fatty acid]]
+* [[Glycerol]]
+* [[Adipose tissue]]
+[[Category:Lipids]]
 [[Category:Biochemistry]]
-[[Category:Blood]]
-[[Category:Cardiology]]
-[[Category:Metabolism]]
-{{stub}}