Glycerol in the Body: Production, Importance, and Deficiency

Question
Hi:

Do we need glycerol? For what? Can our bodies produce it or do we need to take it from foods? What are the symptoms -- if any -- of glycerol deficiency?

I am aware that glycerol can be obtained from digestion of fats. During digestion, fats are broken down to fatty acids and glycerol.

If this is out of your expertise, would you mind steering me to person or group who could answer this question?


Thanks,

Green

Answer
Hi
Glycerol is a component of fats and oils. Triglycerides (the most plentiful fats in the body and diet) consist of a three-carbon glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. Their presence in fats and oils alone means they are needed for human health, as fats and oils are needed for a variety of uses, such as energy, hormone production and cell membrane composition.
Because glycerol is in fats and oils, it is virtually impossible to become deficient in it. There is a genetic condition call glycerol kinase deficiency which alters the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin signaling. It is associated with psychomotor retardation, osteoporosis, spasticity, esotropia, and bone fractures.