Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in blood. When we consume food, calories are released by the oxidation of food. The calories which the body does not exhaust are converted into energy resources called triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells of the body and are used to supply energy when required. Under the action of certain hormones these triglycerides are broken into simpler, absorbable forms of fatty acids to liberate energy.
Triglyceride is a chemical term used to describe the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fat. Most naturally available fats contain a complex mixture of individual triglycerides. A triglyceride or triacylglycerol, triacylglyceride is chemically an ester derived from a glycerol and three fatty acids. The glycerol being an alcohol has three hydroxyl (-OH) groups while each fatty acid being an acid has carboxyl (COOH) groups. While constituting triglycerides the hydroxyl groups of glycerol join with the carboxyl groups of fatty acids to from ester bonds.
Fat in human body is mainly stored in form of Triglycerides. It provides twice more energy than proteins and carbohydrates. They reach into the body through consumption of naturally occurring fat resources and apart from this they are also synthesised in the liver from carbohydrates and proteins. Whenever a person consumes more calories than he can metabolise they are stored in form of triglycerides.
Body needs triglycerides, as they are extremely important for the overall functioning of the body. They are required for producing energy and they also serve as the building blocks for cells. Triglycerides are the major components of low density lipoproteins and play a key role in the transportation of dietary fat. Lipids cannot be absorbed in form of Triglycerides. Enzyme pancreatic lipase hydrolyses the ester bond and releases the fatty acid. Now the fatty acids, monoglycerides and some diglycerides are easily absorbed by the duodenum. In the intestine lipolysis occurs where the triglycerides are broken down into monoacylglycerol and free fatty acids and are thereby absorbed by the lining of the intestine. The enterocytes, cells present in the absorptive lining of the intestine rebuilt triglycerides from their remains and package them together with cholesterol. Now triglycerides in their new avatar are excreted form these cells, collected by the lymph vessels and transported to a bigger lymph vessel near the heart before getting mixed into the blood.
Body stores triglycerides because they are the most concentrated form of energy. They produce two times more amount of energy per gram than other forms of energy like protein and carbohydrates. They are also important because they can easily be broken down to form other fats which are used to build the unit of life i.e. cells within the body. They are majorly stored in the fat cells of the body but other cells like muscle cells may also store triglycerides. Whenever body requires fatty acids as the source of energy hormone glucagon from pancreas administers the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids. Brain cannot utilize fatty acids and therefore the glycerol component of triglycerides is converted into glucose. Therefore whenever brain’s need outweighs body’s need fat cells are broken down in the body to meet the demand. Cell membranes are impermeable to triglycerides therefore they are broken down into free fatty acids and glycerol and then these fatty acids are absorbed by the calls through fatty acid transporter.
Without doubt triglycerides play a key role in the construction process of the body therefore their intake is imperative. They not only reach body though the consumption of fats but also through the consumption of carbohydrates. Most of the carbohydrates are naturally transformed into triglycerides by the body. Therefore a diet low in fats but high in carbohydrates leads to an increased level of triglycerides in the body. However, an elevated triglyceride level in the blood can lead to serious health issues and can shoot up the risk for a heart ailment. Even when the triglyceride level falls in the blood problems may occur.
Just like cholesterol triglycerides are forms of lipids or fats circulating in blood. Cholesterol is important for the synthesis of many hormones and key parts like cell membranes of the cells. Similarly triglycerides, which are chains of high energy fatty acids, are used as potential energy sources to provide energy to the tissues for their functions. But high triglyceride level similar to an increased cholesterol level in the body is a concern.
High triglyceride levels can be caused due a number of factors. It may be genetic or may be related to obesity or untreated diabetes. It has been found that generally high levels of triglyceride are directly linked with dietary imbalances in most of the cases. Consumption of quick digesting carbohydrates elevates the triglyceride level of the blood. In many people carbohydrates shoot up the insulin levels in the body and insulin affects triglyceride synthesis and the storage of fat. High triglyceride levels usually accompany low count of High density lipoproteins ( HDL/good) cholesterol and this leads to tendencies of high blood pressure .Other factors which may contribute to high triglyceride levels in the body are Cirrhosis, Diet low in proteins and high in carbohydrates, Familial hyperlipoproteinemia, Hypothyroidism, Nephrotic syndrome, Pancreatitis, poorly controlled diabetes.
Low triglycerides levels which are rare are also not healthier than high triglyceride levels. Low triglyceride can cause some undesirable diseases and therefore it is mandatory to maintain a normal triglyceride level in body. Low triglyceride levels may be caused in the body due to hyperthyroidism which is manifested in form of excess levels of hormones triiodothyroxine, thyroxine in the blood. Due to this oxygen consumption and metabolism increases. Certain drugs like fish oil supplements, nicotinic acid, statins, asparaginases lower down the triglyceride levels. Malnutrition due to insufficient intake of proper nutrients caused during depression, social isolation, surgery or inability to eat can also be instrumental in lowering down the triglyceride levels. Malabsorption syndrome another cause during which body is unable to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Several clinical conditions like AIDS, radiation therapy, Cancer, chronic liver disease can be responsible for Malabsorption.
High triglyceride levels are linked with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers conducted have shown that high triglyceride levels raise the danger of heart diseases up to two to three times. Though they are not the primary cause and occur in conjugation with high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and lower levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL).This amplifies the danger of arthrosclerosis during which the walls of arteries thicken due to deposition of fatty acids and they lose their elasticity. Due to the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol the lumen of the arties narrows thereby shooting the blood pressure. It eventually leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack) during which the blood supply to heart is interrupted. This is mainly caused due to occlusion (blockage) of coronary artery with the collection of lipids and white blood cells in the wall of the artery. They cause shortage of oxygen and subsequent death of myocardium (the heart tissue).High triglyceride level also leads to a high blood pressure, inflammation of the pancreas and more fat in the abdominal area.
Triglyceride levels are measured by a simple blood test. They are measured as a part of a lipoprotein panel or the coronary risk profile and are measured with cholesterol, HDL and LDL at the same time. Beginning at the age of 20 testing for triglycerides and cholesterol is recommended every five years. If the levels are found elevated testing should be conducted repeatedly every year. The test is performed by drawing a sample of blood from the vein usually present in the inside of the elbow or back of the hand. The paitent is supposed to fast for 8-12 hours before the test. Certain drugs like beta blockers, cholestyramine, cholesterol, estrogens, birth control pills, retinoid, antipsychotics protease inhibitors and alcohol may increase the triglyceride count in the blood. Therefore the medical practioner may recommend discontinuing these before the test. On the other hand compounds like ascorbic acid, asparagines, clofiberate, fenofiberate, fish oil, gemfibrozil, nicotinic acids and statin medications are known to diminish the triglyceride levels. In both the cases they drugs may alter the actual triglyceride level of the body and therefore camouflage the report.
Normal levels are thought to be less than 150mg/dl. Borderline excessive is 150-199mg/dl. A range between 200-499 mg/dl is considered to be high and one should become cautious. Drugs like lovastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, niacin, gemfibrozil are used to bring down the levels of triglyceride. However, all these medications have a wide spectrum of side effects like they may cause sensitivity to sunlight, unexplained muscle pain, elevated temperature and prolonged weakness.
Since, medicines used to lower triglyceride levels have severe side effects therefore natural methods such as triglyceride diets are highly advocated for. Triglyceride diets have been recorded to bring down a remarkable decrease of about 50% in the occurrence of cardiac diseases. People having exceptionally high triglyceride level should observe certain measures like shedding extra calories, opting for food with lower calories. They should limit the intake of high fat meat, dairy products, eggs, starchy vegetables and coconut or palm oil instead lean meats, fish, skinless chicken, and low fat dairy products must be consumed. Animal proteins should be replaced with plant proteins like beans, peanut butter and nuts.
An increase in the content of dietary fibre is also beneficial. Fibre present in grains, nuts, seeds, oat products, fruits and vegetables are extremely useful. Even the intake of alcoholic drinks and other beverages containing carbohydrate can lift up the count. Triglyceride levels are enormously influenced by consuming refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugars like sodas, refined grains, jams, sweet bakery products. They raise amounts of sugar and thereby blood plasma triglyceride levels .Even the sweetened beverages can be a potential threat therefore people are advised to switch to calorie free drinks or soya milk. It has been found that in women carbohydrate consumption leads to a high glycemic index which causes an overproduction of insulin and thereby high triglyceride levels. Diet containing ingredients that supply DHA, EPA and DPA are recommended and are an effective way to control triglyceride levels naturally. They reduce the risk of a cardiac death by over 44%. Intake of mono saturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids is also a good idea, these include olive oil, peanut or canola oil, nut butter, avocado and flax seed oil, walnuts respectively. Fishes like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are very high in omega 3 fatty acids. Carnitine and fiberates are also known to bring down the levels of triglycerides.
If a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fibres are maintained in the diet it decreases the risk of high blood sugar levels and thereby imposes a check on high triglyceride levels too. Apart from this diet related measures, if certain other life style changes are incorporated in the routine threats from triglyceride levels can be kept at a bay. By exercising, performing yoga, smoking cessation and weight loss a check can be imposed on the same.
Triglycerides are naturally occurring lipids and are the key constituent of vegetable fats and oils derived from plants. Vegetable fats and oils are actually esters of glycerine and fatty acids; they may be edible or inedible. Edible oils and fats like olive, sunflower, peanut, mustard, sesame; cottonseed oils are used for culinary purposes. While linseed oil, tung oil, castor oil are used in lubricants, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other industrial purposes. Triglycerides present in vegetable oils are also used to make soaps, candles, perfumes. They are being used as insulators, lubricants in the electrical industry. Castor oil is used in production of polyurethane plastic. They are also used in production of some pet foods. Some triglycerides present in the vegetable oil undergo polymerisation in presence of oxygen and produce what is known as drying oil. They are chiefly used for making paints and other wood treatment products. Apart from this triglycerides are also used to manufacture biodiesel. Glycerine which is another triglyceride is used in manufacture of food products, cosmetics and production of pharmaceuticals.
