Question

An individual has been determined to have

hypertriglyceridemia, with a triglyceride level
of 350 mg/dL (normal is <150 mg/dL). The
patient
decides to reduce this level by keeping
his caloric intake the same, but switching to a
low-fat, low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet.
Three months later, after sticking faithfully to
his diet, his triglyceride level was 375 mg/dL.
This increase in lipid content is being caused
by which component of his new diet?
(A) Phospholipids
(B) Triglycerides
(C) Amino acids
(D) Carbohydrates
(E) Cholesterol

Answer 1

The increase in triglyceride levels in an individual with hypertriglyceridemia on a high-carbohydrate diet is due to the carbohydrates being converted into triglycerides and stored as fat, thus exacerbating the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

An individual with hypertriglyceridemia who changes to a low-fat, low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet and sees an increase in triglyceride levels is being affected by the high-carbohydrate component of their new diet. When dietary carbohydrates, especially simple sugars and refined starches, are consumed in large quantities, they are converted into triglycerides in the liver and stored as fat. This can lead to an increase in blood triglyceride levels, despite the reduction in dietary fat.