Triglyceride Structure

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 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

When the three hydroxyl (OH-) groups of a single glycerol molecule react with the carboxyl groups (COOH-) of three fatty acids to create ester bonds, a triglyceride is generated.

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

The following are the national recommendations for fasting triglyceride levels in healthy adults:

• 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.