What is the predominant form of dietary lipids?

• A. Triglycerides containing 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids per molecule
• B. Phospholipids with two fatty acids
• C. Free fatty acids only
• D. Steroids with three rings of carbon

Answer: (B)

Triglycerides are the dominant form of dietary lipids. They consist of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached, which makes them the main energy-yielding lipid in foods like fats and oils. In digestion, enzymes break triglycerides down into fatty acids and monoacylglycerols for absorption, and these are later reassembled into triglycerides for transport in the body. Phospholipids are important membrane components and emulsifiers but are present in smaller amounts in the diet, while free fatty acids and steroids represent other lipid forms, not the primary dietary lipid.