Problems with lipid metabolism

Chapter 27 Problems with lipid metabolism



Fatty acids are an important source of energy: potentially, triglycerides can release as much energy per kilogram as carbohydrates or proteins. Lipids are components of membranes in the form of phospholipids (see Chapter 10 ‘Lipids’, p. 73).


Ultimately, the carbohydrates that are not utilized by the body end up as fatty acids, which are stored as triglycerides. This fact is conveniently side-stepped by food manufacturers, who produce low-fat products that often have a very high sugar content.


Fatty acids are usually eaten as triglycerides, which are broken down into free fatty acids and monoglycerides by lipases in the small intestine. This process is assisted by bile salts, which emulsify the fats and increase the efficiency of the enzymes (see Chapter 4 ‘Bonds continued’, p. 25).


Lipids are absorbed largely as fatty acids (although some are absorbed as free glycerol and diglycerides). After absorption, they are packed with protein to create a lipoprotein, which acts as a carrier for the lipid in the bloodstream.


There are four main classes of lipoprotein:







Jul 22, 2016 | Posted by in PHARMACY | Comments Off on Problems with lipid metabolism

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