High Density Lipoproteins - Types

Types of Lipoproteins

General categories of lipoproteins, listed in order from larger and less dense (more fat than protein) to smaller and denser (more protein, less fat):

Chylomicrons - carry triacylglycerol (fat) from the intestines to the liver and to adipose tissue.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) - carry (newly synthesised) triacylglycerol from the liver to adipose tissue.

Intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) - are intermediate between VLDL and LDL. They are not usually detectable in the blood.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) - carry cholesterol from the liver to cells of the body. These are sometimes referred to as the "bad cholesterol" lipoprotein.

High density lipoproteins (HDL) - These collect cholesterol from the body's tissues, and bring it back to the liver. They are sometimes referred to as the "good cholesterol" lipoprotein.