trójglicerydu

Trójglicerydy (triglycerides) are the most common form of fat in the human diet and body. Chemically, a triglyceride consists of a glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acid molecules. The fatty acids can vary in chain length and degree of saturation, which influences the physical properties of the triglyceride and its metabolic fate.

In the diet, triglycerides are found in vegetable oils, animal fats, dairy products, nuts, seeds and certain processed foods. After ingestion, triglycerides are emulsified by bile salts in the small intestine and broken down by pancreatic lipase into monoglycerides and free fatty acids. These products are absorbed by enterocytes and re‑esterified to form triglycerides, which are then packaged into chylomicrons and released into the lymphatic system and bloodstream.

Within the body, triglycerides serve as an energy reservoir. When energy demand rises, triglycerides stored in adipose tissue are hydrolyzed by hormone‑sensitive lipase, releasing fatty acids that circulate to muscles and other tissues for oxidation. Triglycerides also act as a thermogenic substance in brown adipose tissue and are involved in the synthesis of phospholipids and signaling molecules.

Elevated levels of plasma triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, and metabolic syndrome. Common causes include excessive caloric intake, high carbohydrate consumption, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and genetic disorders such as familial hypertriglyceridemia. Lifestyle interventions—dietary fat restriction, increased physical activity, weight loss, and limiting alcohol—are first‑line recommendations.

Routine blood tests measure fasting triglyceride concentrations. Normal values are typically below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L). Levels exceeding 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) are considered borderline high, while values above 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) may necessitate medical management to prevent pancreatitis.

Because triglycerides are integral to energy metabolism and cell membrane structure, maintaining them within a healthy range is essential for overall metabolic homeostasis.