Which particle has the highest triglyceride content?

• A. Chylomicrons
• B. LDL
• C. HDL
• D. VLDL

Answer: (A)

Triglycerides are packed into different lipoproteins, and the amount of TG per particle varies. The particle formed in the intestine to transport dietary fats is the triglyceride–richest: chylomicrons. They are huge and have the lowest density because their cargo is mostly triglycerides. As they circulate, lipoprotein lipase on the endothelium hydrolyzes those triglycerides, delivering fatty acids to tissues and transforming chylomicrons into remnants that are cleared by the liver.

Other lipoproteins carry triglycerides too, but to a lesser extent. The liver’s VLDL contains substantial TG as well, but not as much as chylomicrons. LDL and HDL carry relatively little triglyceride; their content is mainly cholesterol esters (LDL) and cholesterol with apolipoproteins (HDL). Hence, the particle with the highest triglyceride content is chylomicrons.