This podcast describes the breakdown and transport of dietary fats within the body, beginning with pancreatic lipase in the small intestine converting triacylglycerols into absorbable components. These components are then repackaged into chylomicrons within the intestinal mucosa, which are released into the lymph and bloodstream for delivery throughout the body. During circulation, lipoprotein lipase facilitates the release of fatty acids from chylomicrons for tissue uptake.

Pancreatic lipase is the primary enzyme responsible for the digestion of dietary triacylglycerol in the intestinal lumen. The fatty acids and monoacylglycerol produced are absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and reassembled into triacylglycerol. The latter molecule is incorporated into the lipoprotein particle know as chylomicron which in turn is released into the bloodstream to provide peripheral tissues with dietary triglycerides.

Metabolism is regulated by hormones. Insulin lowers blood glucose after eating by promoting storage and uptake. During fasting, glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol trigger gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis to restore sugar levels and provide energy sources. Other tissues like live and muscle switch to using fatty acids for energy, thus sparing glucose use during fasting.