Advisory

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Hormones then regulate the release of triglycerides from fat cells into the bloodstream to be used as energy between meals.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and are often associated with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, an unhealthy diet, and regular alcohol consumption. Conversely, low levels of triglycerides may indicate nutritional problems, such as insufficient calorie intake, excessive exercise, or issues with fat absorption.

Hello,

Perhaps this is a somewhat simple question, but could you please explain the terms: triglycerides, triacylglycerols? Which of these terms is correct in terms of standard language usage? Which parameter is the most important in practice (also from a health perspective) during a routine cholesterol (HDL, LDL) and blood lipid examination? What do these data indicate about my health?

Thank you.

Triglycerides and triacylglycerols are synonyms, both terms are commonly used in the literature. They are the main components of fats, composed of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids. The body separates fatty acids from them through the process of lipolysis, and these fatty acids are subsequently metabolized. In practice, in relation to nutrition, you should always be concerned with (in addition to triglycerides) the parameters of the total amount of cholesterol, including HDL and LDL fractions, from which the so-called atherogenic index is calculated. This is a value that indicates the risk of developing atherosclerotic processes, and it is thus related to cardiovascular diseases (this also applies to elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood).

Good day.
Perhaps a somewhat layman's question, but could you please explain the terms: triglycerides, triacylglycerols? Which of these terms is more correct in terms of formal usage? Which of the parameters is most important in the practice of a nutritionist (also from a health perspective) during a standard examination of cholesterol (HDL, LDL) and fats in the blood? What do these data indicate for me?
Thank you.

Triglycerides and triacylglycerols are synonyms, both terms are commonly used in the literature. They are the main component of fats, composed of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules. The body separates fatty acids from them through the process of lipolysis, which are then metabolized.

In practice, concerning nutrition, you should always be interested (in addition to triglycerides) in parameters of the total amount of cholesterol, including HDL and LDL fractions, from which the so-called atherogenic index is calculated. This is a value that indicates the risk of developing atherosclerotic processes and is thus related to cardiovascular diseases (this also applies to elevated triglyceride levels in the blood).

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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