Triglyceride facts for kids
A triglyceride is a type of fat found in your body and in the foods you eat. Think of them as tiny energy storage units. They are made from a molecule called glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides are a kind of lipid, which is a fancy word for fats and oils. They are found in your blood and help move fat and sugar from your liver to other parts of your body.
Triglycerides are the main molecules that make up vegetable oil and animal fats. They are also a big part of the oils found on human skin, which is called sebum.
Contents
What are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Your body uses them for energy. When you eat, your body takes any extra calories it doesn't need right away and turns them into triglycerides. These triglycerides are then stored in your fat cells. Later, when your body needs energy, it can release these stored triglycerides.
How are Triglycerides Made?
Triglycerides are formed when a molecule of glycerol joins with three fatty acid molecules. Imagine glycerol as a backbone, and the three fatty acids as three arms attached to it. This combination creates the triglyceride molecule.
There are different kinds of fatty acids, which means there are many different types of triglycerides. Some fatty acids are "saturated," and others are "unsaturated." This difference affects whether a fat is solid at room temperature (like butter) or liquid (like olive oil).
Where Do We Find Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are everywhere in our daily lives and in our bodies.
In Food
Many foods we eat contain triglycerides. They are the main component of:
- Vegetable oils: Such as olive oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil.
- Animal fats: Like the fat in meat, butter, and lard.
- Dairy products: Such as cheese and cream.
- Nuts and seeds: Which are rich in healthy fats.
When you eat foods with fat, your body breaks down the triglycerides and absorbs them.
In Your Body
Your body needs triglycerides to work properly. They are stored in your fat cells and are a major source of energy. When you exercise or don't eat for a while, your body uses these stored triglycerides for fuel.
Triglycerides also help move glucose (sugar) from your liver to other parts of your body where it can be used for energy or stored.
They are also found in your skin's oil, called sebum. Sebum helps keep your skin and hair moisturized and protected.
Why are Triglycerides Important?
Triglycerides play several important roles:
- Energy storage: They are your body's main way to store energy for later use.
- Insulation: The fat stored in your body helps keep you warm.
- Protection: Fat also protects your organs by cushioning them.
- Vitamin absorption: Some vitamins, like Vitamins A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble. This means they need fat to be absorbed by your body.
Images for kids
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Example of an unsaturated fat triglyceride (C55H98O6). Left part: glycerol; right part, from top to bottom: palmitic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid.
See also
In Spanish: Triglicérido para niños
