Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fatty substances composed of three fatty acids, each attached to a glycerol molecule.  Similar to cholesterol, triglycerides in the blood either comes from the diet or the liver.  Also, like cholesterol, triglycerides cannot be dissolved and circulate in the blood without combining with a lipoprotein.  During the digestion of a meal, the triglycerides and cholesterol that are absorbed into the intestines are packaged into round particles called chylomicrons before release into the blood circulation. 

Chylomicrons are a collection of cholesterol and triglycerides that are surrounded by a lipoprotein outer coat.  Chylomicrons are comprised of 90% triglycerides and 10% cholesterol.  There are special enzymes on the blood vessels that break up the triglycerides inside the chylomicrons.  Fatty acids are released in the process.  The fatty acids are then either used by the muscles as energy, or absorbed by fat cells where they are incorporated again into triglycerides for storage in the fat cells for future energy needs.

High triglyceride levels can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Triglycerides can be lowered by lifestyle changes and by medications. Medications used for lowering triglycerides include niacin, fibric acid derivatives like gemfibrazol (Lopid), and 'statin' drugs like simvastatin (Zocor).

Triglyceride related topics: Cholesterol, Methylation, Triglycerides

Triglyceride Nutraceutical Products: Essential Seven