What is Triglyceride?

Triglycerides are esters in which three molecules of one or more different fatty acids are linked to
the alcohol glycerol; they are named after the fatty acid components; for example, tristearin
contains three molecules of stearic acid, while oleo distearin contains one molecule of oleic acid
and two molecules of stearic acid.

Three alcohol groups can react with three long chain carboxylic acids, commonly referred to as
fatty acids. Monoglycerides or monoacylglycerols are generated when only one ester
(https://byjus.com/chemistry/ester/) bond is created. A diglyceride or diacyl glycerol is formed
when two carboxylic acid molecules react to generate two ester bonds. A triglyceride or
triacylglycerol is formed when three carboxylic acids react to generate three ester bonds.

Table of Contents
Triglyceride Structure

Hydrolysis of Triglycerides

Chemical Composition of Triglycerides

How are Triglycerides different from Cholesterol?

Triglyceride Role in the Body

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Triglyceride Structure
Fatty acids can be metabolised for energy by tissues or stored as energy in the form of
triglycerides. The stored triglycerides are digested in response to energy demands, and the
unsaturated fatty acids are released into the circulatory system and delivered to the tissues.
Hydrolysis of Triglycerides
In the presence of acid and heat, or under biological conditions, triglycerides (fats) can be
hydrolysed to produce glycerol and three fatty acids.

The hydrolysis of triglycerides can also be done using base, which is the most common method
used on a large scale. Saponification is a one-step reaction that involves simultaneous hydrolysis
and neutralisation and results in soap.

Chemical Composition of Triglycerides

The three fatty acids that make up the triglyceride structure may or may not be the same in
different triglycerides, resulting in a wide range of possibilities. Fatty acid chains in triglycerides
can be any length, although the most frequent are 16, 18, and 20 carbons.
How are Triglycerides different from Cholesterol?
Triglycerides and cholesterol are both lipids, which are fatty molecules. Triglycerides, on the other
hand, are fats, although cholesterol is not. Cholesterol is a waxy, odourless chemical produced by
the liver and found in cell walls and neurons. Cholesterol is also essential for physiological
activities like digestion and hormone manufacturing. Cholesterol is obtained through animal
meals in addition to being created by the body.

Pure cholesterol is incapable of mixing with or dissolving in blood. As a result, the liver binds
cholesterol to triglycerides and proteins in lipoprotein carriers. Lipoproteins transport this fatty
mixture to various parts of the body. The risk of heart disease is increased when triglycerides are
high.

Triglyceride Role in the Body

Under 150 mg/dl is considered normal.

151–200 mg/dl is considered borderline high.

201–499 mg/dl (high).

500 mg/dl or greater is considered very high.

Triglycerides are used in the body because they provide energy to cells that need it. They are
naturally occurring component of the blood and are deposited in fat deposits. Excess triglycerides,
on the other hand, can cause difficulties in the body and lead to serious ailments.

High triglyceride levels are linked to metabolic syndrome, a collection of illnesses that raises the
risk of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. A blood level of more than 200 mg/dL is linked
to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Frequently Asked Questions on Triglyceride Structure

Q1 What causes triglyceride?

A triglyceride is formed when the three hydroxyls (OH-) groups of a single glycerol molecule
react with the carboxyl group (COOH-) of three fatty acids by forming ester bonds.

Q2 What type of structure are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are triesters consisting of a glycerol bound to three fatty acid molecules.
Alcohols have a hydroxyl (HO–) group. Organic acids have a carboxyl (–COOH) group.
Alcohols and organic acids join to form esters.
Q3 What does it mean if your triglycerides are high?

High triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls
(arteriosclerosis) — which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease.
Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas
(pancreatitis).

Q4 What are the 3 types of triglycerides?

The three types of fatty acids that compose triglycerides are saturated, monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The three types of triglycerides which arise from these types
of fatty acids; are saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated triglycerides.

Q5 What causes triglycerides to rise?

The most common causes of high triglycerides are obesity and poorly controlled diabetes. If
you are overweight and are not active, you may have high triglycerides, especially if you eat a
lot of carbohydrate or sugary foods or drink a lot of alcohol.

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