In human nutrition, which type of lipid primarily stores calories for future use in the body?

• A. Cholesterol used to make steroid hormones and bile acids
• B. Phospholipids that form cell membranes
• C. Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) stored in adipose tissue
• D. Short-chain fatty acids used mainly for immediate energy in the intestine

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the different types of lipids mentioned: cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and short-chain fatty acids.
2. Recall the primary functions of each lipid type in human nutrition: cholesterol is involved in hormone and bile acid synthesis; phospholipids are key components of cell membranes; short-chain fatty acids provide immediate energy, especially in the intestine.
3. Identify which lipid type is mainly responsible for long-term energy storage in the body. This involves recognizing that triglycerides (also called triacylglycerols) are stored in adipose tissue and serve as the main energy reserve.
4. Connect the role of triglycerides to their structure, which consists of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone, making them efficient for storing large amounts of energy.
5. Conclude that among the options, triglycerides stored in adipose tissue are the primary lipid type for calorie storage for future use in the body.