triglyceride

triglyceride /tri·glyc·er·ide/ (-glis´er-īd) a compound consisting of three molecules of fatty acid esterified to glycerol; a neutral fat that is the usual storage form of lipids in animals.

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tri·glyc·er·ide (tr-gls-rd)

n.

See triacylglycerol.

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Triglyceride

A substance formed in the body from fat in the diet. Triglycerides are the main fatty materials in the blood. Together with protein, they make up high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDLs and LDLs). Triglyceride levels are important in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Mentioned in: Antiacne Drugs, Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol Test, Coronary Artery Disease, Diuretics

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triglyceride

[trīglis′ərīd]

a simple fat compound consisting of three molecules of fatty acid (e.g., oleic, palmitic, or stearic) and glycerol. Triglycerides make up most animal and vegetable fats and are the principal lipids in the blood, where they circulate within lipoproteins. The total amount of triglyceride and the amount, proportion, and kinds of lipoproteins are important in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Normally the total amount of triglyceride in the blood does not exceed 200 mg to 300 mg/dL.

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triglyceride

a compound consisting of three molecules of fatty acids bound with one molecule of glycerol; a neutral fat that is the usual storage form of lipids in animals.

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triglyceride absorption test

see fat absorption test.

triglyceride lipase

see triacylglycerol.

medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)

short and medium length chain fatty acids (containing four to 12 carbon atoms) are much more rapidly digested than those with long chains. Coconut oil contains a high proportion of medium-chain triglycerides and may be used in the diet of dogs with malabsorption syndrome.

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triglyceride  

Triacylglycerol A long chain fatty acid ester of glycerol; TGs constitute 95% of fat by weight, and are the major form of stored lipids ↑ in Acute MI, alcoholic cirrhosis, untreated DM, high carbohydrate diet, certain forms of hyperlipoproteinemia, HTN, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, OCs, estrogens ↓ in Congenital β-lipoproteinemia, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, vigorous exercise, therapy with ascorbic acid, clofibrate, metformin, phenformin. See Medium chain triglyceride. Cf Cholesterol.

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Patient discussion about triglyceride.

Q. Improving High Triglycerides I take Tricor for high triglyceride levels; I have a healthy level of total cholesterol, with low LDL, very good HDL. I am now being treated for hypothyroidism, but my doctor says that it's also genetic (I had almost the exact same level number as my brother). How can I work to get my triglycerides under control?

A. High level of triglycerides are generally both genetic and diet related. If you are consuming a high fat containing diet then your level of triglycerides will be increased. On the other hand, regardless of your good cholesterol levels, if you start lowering the amount of fat in your food (less oil, less sweets, less red meat) and combine it with physical activity you can lower your triglycerides level, especially if you are already on medications.