Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun, plural: triglycerides

An energy-rich compound made up of a single molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acid, and serves as a major component of animal and plant oils and fats

Supplement

Triglycerides are present in both plants and animals. Triglycerides in plants are typically found in plant cell membrane where the fatty acids are mostly unsaturated. In animals, the fatty acid component is largely saturated.

Animal triglycerides are important energy source and present in adipose tissues, bloodstream, and heart muscle. Together with proteins, they give rise to high and low density lipoproteins.

Triglycerides are clinically measured and monitored. It is because an increased level of triglycerides is correlated to an increased risk to atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Word origin: tri- (three) + glyceride

Synonym(s):

• triacylglycerol

Compare:

• monoglyceride
• diglyceride

See also:

• glyceride
• fatty acid

Related term(s):

• High blood triglyceride