What Are Triglycerides?

Researchers define Triglycerides as a Glyceride, or an ester of fatty acids and glycerol that naturally occurs in vegetable and animal tissues as fats and fatty oils. It is an important source of energy that accounts for a high percentage of fat stored in the human body.

Triglycerides are also known as Triacylglycerol or simply as TG.

Triglycerides Meaning

The name Triglycerides comes from the presence of three individual fatty acids in it. These are bound together in the form of a single large molecule. Glycerol combines with three molecules of these fatty acids to form Triglycerides.

Triglycerides Structure

The structure of Triglycerides comprises of two types of molecules – a 3 carbon molecule of Glycerol and fatty acids that bond with the molecule at the alcohol unit. The Glycerol molecule is the main part of the structure with three hydroxyl groups attached to the carbon molecules.

Triglycerides Function

The main functions of Triglycerides are:

  • Providing Energy – These provide the human body with a vast amount of energy that is required for performing activities.
  • Providing thermal insulation – These are located under the skin and provide insulation to the body from extreme changes in temperature.
  • Providing Protection – These serve as a cushion for the body and protect it from mechanical injury.

High Triglycerides

It is a condition characterized by an excess of triglycerides in the bloodstream, which range between 200 and 499 mg/dL. If this ester is found to be 500 or more in blood, the level can be termed as very high. High level of this ester may occur due to conditions like:

  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disorders
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Excess calorie intake on a regular basis
  • Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

It may also arise as a side effect of use of certain medicines like Beta-blockers, Steroids or Tamoxifen. In rare cases, it may also result due to genetic reasons.

Triglyceride Level

The triglyceride level test is a laboratory examination. It is used test to determine the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream of a person. The test involves drawing blood out of a vein, generally from the back of the hand or the inside of the elbow.

The level is measured as follows:

  • Normal – Less than 150 mg/dL
  • Borderline High – Within 150 – 199 mg/dL
  • High – Between 200 and 499 mg/dL
  • Very High – 500 mg/dL or over

The normal range of Triglycerides may slightly vary among different laboratories. If you are carrying out this test, discuss the results of your test with your doctor.

Triglycerides Diet

For lowering Triglycerides naturally, an ideal diet should comprise of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. Fatty fishes like Sardines, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon and Albacore Tuna contain Omega-3 in rich doses which help lower Triglyceride level. However, these foods should only be consumed under the expert care of a doctor. Carnitine and occasionally, Fibrates, have also been found to be quite effective for the same purpose.

A diet for patients of high Triglycerides should be devoid of cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat. Such people should also cut down their alcohol intake almost entirely.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Cholesterol and Triglycerides are different types of lipids that can be found in the bloodstream. Both of these are structurally as well as functionally different. Cholesterol is used in manufacturing certain hormones and cells. Triglycerides act as a storehouse of unused calories and provide energy to the body.

Alcohol and Triglycerides

Alcohol has been found to have a number of negative effects on health and raises triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. This is because:

  • Alcohol contains a high amount of calories that get transformed into fat.
  • It has been found to reduce the combustion of fat.
  • Even moderate amounts of alcohol, as may be found in 2-4 ounces of wine, can spur the liver to manufacture more triacylglycerol.
  • It lowers the amount of the enzyme that helps decompose triacylglycerol.

People suffering from excess triacylglycerol in their blood should quit their alcohol consumption altogether. If this is found to be difficult, it should be restricted to not more than one drink per night.

Triglycerides and Diabetes

TG and diabetes have a close relationship. High TG levels can aggravate diabetes whereas unmanaged diabetes may have a negative impact on Triacylglycerol. A high level of Triacylglycerol may result from untreated cases of Type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus). In cases of Type 2 diabetes, liver produces glucose in excess which is converted into TG by the body. It is necessary to manage diabetes in a proper manner with diet, exercises and medications to keep TG level in control. Otherwise, these may pose serious problems. A high level of triglycerides and diabetes in the same individual can give rise to serious complications.