Lipoproteins

Lipoproteins

1. in the initial stages of fat absorption, bile joins with products of fat digestion to carry fat

2. later protein combines with final products of fat digestion to form special carriers called

   lipoproteins

3. lipoproteins carry the fat into body cells

4. classified according to mobility & density

Lipoprotein Types:

1. chylomicrons
   

   a. first lipoprotein identified after eating

b. largest lipoprotein

c. lightest in wt.

d. composed of 80-90% triglycerides

2.Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL's)

a. made by liver and transports lipids throughout body

b. composed of 55-65% triglycerides

c. carry triglycerides & other lipids to all cells

d. as the VLDL loses triglycerides, they pick up cholesterol from other lipoproteins in the blood

and become LDL's

3. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL's)

a. composed of 45% cholesterol, few triglycerides

b. carry most of the blood cholesterol from liver to cells

c. elevated blood levels > 130 mg/dL contribute to heart disease

4. High-density lipoproteins (HDL's)

a. carry cholesterol from the cells to liver for eventual excretion

b. levels of HDL > than 35 mg/dL thought to ↓ risk of heart disease

c. exercise, maintain desireable wt. & give up smoking are all ways to ↑ HDL's in body

d. HDL's are good cholesterol