Triglycerides Study Guide

INTRODUCTION

Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the human body and are stored in fat cells. They contribute to your ability to maintain energy throughout the day. The clinical name for increased triglycerides is known as Hypertriglyceridemia. High triglyceride levels raise your risk of acquiring ailments like cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, so testing its level in your body and controlling it can help you avoid certain serious diseases.

triglyceride formulaSource

STRUCTURE OF TRIGLYCERIDE

Triglyceride has two key components in its chemical composition: glycerol and fatty acids.

  • Glycerol is three-carbon alcohol with hydroxyl groups on each of its carbon atoms.
  • Long hydrocarbon chains with a single carboxyl group at one end are referred to as fatty acids.

The fatty acids are connected to all the three carbons of the glycerol molecule with an ester bond through an oxygen atom in the triglyceride molecule.

There may be triglycerides saturated or unsaturated. The primary distinction between saturated and unsaturated triglycerides is that saturated triglycerides have only single carbon-atom bonds, whereas unsaturated triglyceride structures have double or triple carbon-atom bonds.

DIFFERENT TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS

A blood test called a lipid panel checks both your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The levels based on the fasting blood levels are:

  • Standard triglyceride level: <150 mg/dL
  • Borderline triglyceride level: 150 to 199 mg/dL
  • High triglyceride level: 200 to 499 mg/dL
  • Very High triglyceride level: 500 mg/dL or above

TriglyceridesSource

CAUSES OF HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES

What you eat or other personal choices you make plays a significant role in maintaining decent triglyceride levels, and they are frequently the primary cause of elevated levels. The kind of diet you follow plays a crucial role in affecting triglyceride levels. High glycemic index carbohydrates like french fries and doughnuts, and other saturated fat-rich foods raise triglyceride levels. Smoking has a serious effect on triglyceride levels.

The more you weigh—that is, the more your energy stores aren’t being used up, the greater your triglyceride levels will be. Lack of proper exercise is another reason behind the storage of triglyceride levels in the blood. Too much consumption of alcohol harms the pancreas and liver. Genetics also play an important role in the association of elevated triglyceride levels.

FAQs

1. What causes triglycerides to be high?

Not having a proper diet, smoking cigarettes, being overweight, drinking habits, certain kinds of medications, and not having a daily exercise routine are some of the reasons that cause triglyceride levels to shoot up.

2. How can I lower my triglycerides fast?

Including more physical activities in the daily routine, losing weight along with the proper intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and lowering alcohol consumption can lower the triglyceride levels.

3. What to eat to reduce triglycerides?

Fibrates lower triglyceride levels and improve cholesterol levels considerably. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can aid in lowering triglycerides. Plant-based omega-3 acids, such as flaxseed, may be beneficial. Niacin (nicotinic acid) has been shown to reduce triglycerides by up to 50%.

4. What is the alarming level of triglycerides?

The alarming level of triglyceride is the ranges between 150 to 199 mg/dL.

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SOURCES:

  1. Triglycerides:https://www.ck12.org/c/chemistry/triglycerides/lesson/Triglycerides-CHEM/.Accessed 9th March 2022.
  2. What are Triglycerides?: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-triglycerides-definition-lesson-quiz.html#:~:text=that%20can%20help.-,Lesson%20Summary,of%20triglycerides%20are%20broken%20down.Accessedc9th March 2022.
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