Triglycerides: the energy reserve that becomes dangerous in excess

Triglycerides are a type of fat made up of three fatty acids linked to a glycerol molecule. They are the most common lipids found in the body and can be obtained from the diet, although many organs, especially the liver and fat tissue, can produce them as well. Triglycerides can be categorized into two main types:

• Saturated: These have no double bonds in their carbon chains.
• Unsaturated: These contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chains.

The main role of triglycerides is to act as an energy reserve. Any extra calories that cells cannot use right away are stored as triglycerides. When the body needs energy and immediate sources are lacking, it taps into these stored triglycerides.

Dietary triglycerides are transported from the small intestine to the liver and other tissues through lipoproteins called chylomicrons. These chylomicrons are quickly broken down in the bloodstream, allowing the triglycerides they carry to be absorbed by various tissues, particularly the liver.

While the liver is the key organ for synthesizing triglycerides, it usually does not store them. Therefore, an excess of triglycerides in the liver, known as steatosis, is typically a sign of a problem. The liver releases triglycerides into the bloodstream in the form of large lipoproteins called very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). VLDLs move through the bloodstream, they break down to release some of their contents, resulting in smaller particles known as low-density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL particles then distribute triglycerides to tissues that need them. However, if cells do not require the triglycerides, the surplus can build up in the blood, which may lead to serious cardiovascular and other health issues.

Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood are often associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Numerous factors can contribute to higher triglyceride levels, including:

• Regularly consuming more calories than needed, particularly excess sugar
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking cigarettes
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Specific genetic disorders
• Thyroid diseases
• Poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes
• Liver or kidney diseases

The test measures triglyceride levels in the blood, and the results can be categorized as follows:

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 150 to 199 mg/dL
• High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
• Very High: Over 500 mg/dL

Triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as metabolic syndrome. Certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus or liver diseases, can elevate triglyceride levels, further raising cardiovascular risk.