Trigliceridi v krvi

Customer question:

Triglycerides in the blood - for what processes in the body are they essential? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Triglycerides are fat (lipid) in the blood and play several essential bodily roles. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the diet and are stored in fat cells in the human body for future energy consumption.

Their main functions in the body include:

• Energy storage: Triglycerides are the primary source of stored energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs for immediate energy, the excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Later, when your body needs energy, these triglycerides are broken down and released to provide "fuel."

• Energy production: triglycerides are essential during fasting or prolonged physical activity. When your body needs energy, it can break down stored triglycerides.

• Insulation and protection: triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue (fat cells) under the skin and around internal organs; they serve as insulation to maintain body temperature and protect vital organs.

• Cell structure: triglycerides are essential components of cell membranes and contribute to the structural integrity of cells.

Although triglycerides are essential for these functions, elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood can pose health risks. High levels of triglycerides are a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially when accompanied by other risk factors such as low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Elevated triglycerides can contribute to atherosclerosis, hardening, and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup. This can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. High levels of blood triglycerides are often associated with conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and poorly controlled diabetes.

To maintain optimal health, it is essential to balance triglyceride levels and manage other risk factors for cardiovascular disease through a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and, in some cases, medication, as advised by your doctor.

Interesting reading: Triglycerides

Interesting reading: How to reduce triglycerides?