Lipid biomarkers are formed as a byproduct of lipid peroxidation which is characterized by three (3) stages; initiation by radical species, propagation and termination by antioxidant species.

Lipid peroxidation can affect the lipid bilayers of both cell and mitochondrial membranes as well as other free and membrane bound lipids. By-products of lipid peroxidation include early stage lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and later stage aldehydes (e.g. malondialdehyde) as well as secondary adducts after reactions with proteins and DNA. These by-products are all measureable indicators of oxidative stress impact on lipids.