Triglyceride

A simple lipid. Triglycerides are fatty acid triesters of the trihydroxy alcohol glycerol which are present in plant and animal tissues, particularly in the food storage depots, either as simple esters in which all the fatty acids are the same or as mixed esters in which the fatty acids are different. The triglycerides constitute the main component of natural fats and oils.

The generic formula of a triglyceride is shown

(1)

below, where RCO₂H, R^′CO₂H, and R^″CO₂H represent molecules of either the same or different fatty acids, such as butyric or caproic (short chain), palmitic or stearic (long chain), oleic, linoleic, or linolenic (unsaturated). Saponification with alkali releases glycerol and the alkali metal salts of the fatty acids (soaps). The triglycerides in the food storage depots represent a concentrated energy source, since oxidation provides more energy than an equivalent weight of protein or carbohydrate. See Lipid metabolism

The physical and chemical properties of fats and oils depend on the nature of the fatty acids present. Saturated fatty acids give higher-melting fats and represent the main constituents of solid fats, for example, lard and butter. Unsaturation lowers the melting point of fatty acids and fats. Thus, in the oil of plants, unsaturated fatty acids are present in large amounts, for example, oleic acid in olive oil and linoleic and linolenic acids in linseed soil. See Lipid

triglyceride

[trī′glis·ə‚rīd]

(organic chemistry)

CH₂(OOCR₁)CH(OOCR₂)CH₂(OOCR₃) A naturally occurring ester of normal, fatty acids and glycerol; used in the manufacture of edible oils, fats, and monoglycerides.

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References in periodicals archive

Food and Drug Administration approval for prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications is limited to treatment of very high triglyceride levels (above 500 mg/dL).

Heart Experts Support Use of Prescription Fish Oil to Lower Triglyceride Levels

In the analysis of the current scientific data, the advisory panel found that most people with high triglycerides (200 to 499 mg/dL), prescription doses of omega-3 fatty acids using drugs with either EPA+DHA or EPA alone can reduce triglyceride by 20 to 30 per cent.

Omega-3 fatty acid effectively lowers high triglycerides

* Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry about 85 percent of triglycerides.

Toward a Better Understanding of Lipids and Heart Disease Risk: A study of genetic mutations explores the relationships between cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B

But here's the thing: Triglycerides can be just as dangerous as LDL (the bad form of cholesterol), particularly in women.

Lower Your Triglycerides Naturally: Careful food choices can usually bring down high triglyceride levels

Lipitor does have a modest effect on triglycerides but it may be worth asking your doctor about medications that specifically target them, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid[R]), fenofibrate (Trilipix[R], Triglide[R], Antara[R]), and niacin (Niaspan[R]).

Persistently high triglycerides

Some argued that the trials were deeply flawed, saying they relied on doses that were too small or that they failed to recruit the patients who were most likely to benefit, like those with high triglycerides. Some of the studies were observational, which are less rigorous than clinical trials, in which different groups of patients receive different treatments.

Fish Oil drug may reduce heart attack and stroke risks for some: study

Chen Wen-ying, she observed that levels of blood triglyceride were elevated in mice fed with a high-fat diet for two months, but that were later significantly reduced when strictinin was supplemented.

Taiwanese scientists find secret of Pu'er tea to block fat and help stop weight gain

If lifestyle changes don't bring your triglyceride level into a healthy range, supplements and medications may be recommended.

Elevated Triglycerides Associated With Higher Diabetes Risk: A high triglyceride level is cause for concern, but diet and exercise can lower your level and your health risks

Another number to keep in mind is 150 mg/dL, the threshold separating normal and elevated levels of cholesterol's blood cousin: triglycerides. These fatty substances, especially at very high levels, have been linked to increased cardiovascular risk, although the exact reason why remains somewhat unclear.

Take control of your triglycerides: be mindful of your diet and activity level to reduce levels of these fats linked to cardiovascular disease

Low triglyceride levels are likely a consequence of decreased food intake, increased inflammation, cachexia, and/or liver congestion--all of which are associated with chronic heart failure progression.

Triglyceride levels and chronic heart failure