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From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: triglycerides
Message-ID: <170@kitty.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 28-Jul-85 22:11:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: kitty.170
Posted: Sun Jul 28 22:11:46 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 29-Jul-85 07:28:16 EDT
References: <422@sdcc12.UUCP>
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
Lines: 34

> What is the function of triglycerides in the body?
> I recently had a thorough medical checkup and was found to be completely
> healthy.  The only abnormal finding was a lower than normal
> level of triglycerides.  What significance does that have?
> Could that be due to my being a vegetarian?

	Cells consist primarily of proteins, enzymes, coenzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, and water.  Triglycerides, which are properly called triacylglycerols,
comprise that category of lipid commonly know as ``fats''.  Triacylglycerols
are esters of the alcohol glycerol.
	Triacylglycerols store energy, and contain more energy per weight than
carbohydrates or proteins.  Triacylglycerols are transported throughout the
body by means of the blood; therefore measuring their concentration in blood
is a good indicator of whole body capacity.  The normal concentration of
triacylglycerols varies depending upon age, but a typical adult range is 40 to
150 mg/100 ml for serum, and 80 to 240 mg/100 ml for plasma.  Since I don't
know which test was performed, I have given you both values; serum is more
common.
	There would be more medical concern for a higher than normal value
than a lower one.  Being a vegetarian would well account for a lower value,
which is probably not harmful if you are in otherwise good health.
	Please note that triacylglycerol (triglycerides as you called them)
concentration is *NOT* the same as cholesterol, and is not indicative of
your serum cholesterol concentration - which is another matter.

	Larry Lippman
	Recognition Research Corp.
	Clarence, New York
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