Lipids are insoluble in water and need to form complexes with proteins (lipoproteins) in order to be transported in the blood
Different classes of lipoprotein carry variable amounts of the different types of fats (phospholipid, triglycerides, cholesterol)
- Chylomicrons are produced in the intestine and conduct fats to the liver, skeletal muscles and adipose tissue via the lacteals
- Low density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry fat around the entire body within the bloodstream
- High density lipoproteins (HDLs) collect fat from cells and tissues and return it to the liver
- Very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs) exist as transitional forms between chylomicrons and LDLs
Major Types of Lipoproteins
