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Lipoprotein Particle Sizes

The density of a lipoprotein particle indicates its size. Higher density equals smaller particles. Lipoprotein indicates a particle consisting of lipids and protein. It is the ratio of these two components that determines the particle's density.

  1. The Structure of a Lipoprotein

    • Lipoproteins contain a fatty acid core composed mostly of cholesteryl ester, a lipid used in the formation of cholesterol within the cells. Lipids are hydrophobic (hate water) and must be coated in hydrophilic (water-loving) particles to be transported through the blood. This includes a layer of phospholipids and protein.

    VLDL and LDL

    • Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) transport cholesterol components and protein from the liver to muscles throughout the body. VLDL slowly reduces in size as it delivers cholesteryl esters and proteins to cells. When VLDL reduces to less than 25 percent protein and between 35 percent to 40 percent cholesteryl esters, it is reclassified as low density lipoprotein (LDL).

    HDL

    • High density lipoproteins contain an average of 40 percent to 55 percent protein and 12 percent cholesteryl esters. This tightly packed particle is much smaller than other lipoproteins. HDL removes cholesterol from cells and takes it to the liver for removal from the body.

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