What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are particles in the blood that transport fat. They come from excess sugar (refined carbohydrate) and fat intake in the diet and can also be made in the liver. Triglycerides are converted into energy in the body; for example, to fuel muscles. If people don't use their muscles after eating, the excess triglycerides will be stored as fat or in the liver.
What does it mean if your triglycerides are high?
High levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and obesity. High triglycerides are associated with more than a 70% increased risk of coronary heart disease. High triglycerides are especially significant risk factors for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
What triggers high triglycerides?
High blood triglycerides can be a result of poor lifestyle habits, medications, and certain medical conditions such as:
- genetics,
- obesity,
- insulin resistance,
- type 2 diabetes,
- high-carbohydrate and/or high-fat diet,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- sedentary lifestyle,
- hypothyroidism,
- renal disease, and
- medications such as beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, glucocorticosteroids, anabolic steroids, and some HIV medications.
What are normal and high levels of triglycerides?
A standard blood cholesterol panel includes triglycerides, along with HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol. An advanced lipid test will include the measurement of other particles that carry fat, including VLDL. Triglycerides are associated with VLDL, which is highly associated with atherosclerosis ("hardening" of the arteries).
Optimally, levels of triglycerides should be less than 100 for the prevention of vascular disease and optimal wellness. Standard laboratory ranges of triglyceride levels are shown below in a triglyceride level chart:
Triglyceride Level (mg/dL) | Level of Risk |
---|---|
< 100 | Optimal |
101 to 150 | Low Risk |
151 to 200 | Moderate Risk |
201 to 300 | High Risk |
> 300 | Very High Risk |
Triglycerides can be extremely elevated in some people. When triglycerides are over 500, you can see actually the fats in the serum when a tube of blood is drawn. Triglycerides over 300 can be caused by poor dietary habits, but sometimes people can eat very well and still have high triglycerides because of genetics. People with very elevated levels of triglycerides have trouble transporting other lipid particles (specifically VLDLs) out of the circulation. Anyone with triglycerides over 200 should definitely be doing something to lower triglyceride levels. People with triglycerides greater than 200 especially benefit from weight loss and increasing physical activity. The good news is that triglycerides are very responsive to lifestyle changes such as eating better, drinking less alcohol, and exercising more.

SLIDESHOW
What Are Triglycerides? How to Lower Triglyceride Levels See SlideshowCan you lower triglycerides naturally?
Triglycerides can be lowered without drugs. For example, they can be lowered naturally through diet changes, decreasing consumption of alcohol or sugary beverages, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and other ways. As little as a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight may lower triglycerides. The table below summarizes how much benefit different changes can affect.
Measure | Magnitude of Effect |
---|---|
Reduce excessive body weight | +++ |
Reduce alcohol intake | +++ |
Reduce intake of simple sugars | +++ |
Reduce the total amount of dietary carbohydrate | ++ |
Utilize supplements of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat | ++ |
Replace saturated fat with mono- or polyunsaturated fat | + |
Diet and foods to lower triglycerides
A general dietary pattern to lower triglycerides is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is characterized by a low glycemic load, a high intake of healthy fats such as olive oil and fish oil, and a low intake of processed meats, saturated fats, and trans fats. This dietary pattern is low in total carbohydrates. The carbohydrates that are consumed are largely low in glycemic load – that is, they are largely unprocessed.
To lower triglycerides, some foods should be avoided. Decreasing animal fats (specifically saturated fat) decreases triglycerides and LDL directly. Trans fats, which are identified on food labels as hydrogenated fats and oils, should also be avoided. Decreasing refined carbohydrates (specifically sugar, bread, and other processed foods made with flour and/or sugar) can also help lower triglycerides. These simple sugars are high in mono- and disaccharides, which raise triglyceride levels. Very low carbohydrate diets (less than 35g per day) are very efficient at lowering triglycerides. Fructose can also raise triglycerides; high fructose corn syrup should be avoided and fruit should be consumed in its whole form, not as juice. Reducing sugars is especially important when a person also has insulin resistance. Added sugars should be no more than 5% of the diet.
Other foods can be added to the diet to reduce triglycerides. Coldwater fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, help lower triglycerides. Examples of omega-3-rich fish include salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, tuna, and halibut. Other foods that help lower triglycerides include fiber-rich foods such as oats, flax meals, and beans. Olive oil, especially when substituted for animal fats like butter or lard, is another food that can help lower triglycerides.
Can you drink alcohol if you have high triglycerides?
There is a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol intake and triglyceride levels. The more a person drinks, the higher their triglycerides. It is estimated that for every 1 oz/day of regular alcohol consumption, triglycerides increase by 5% to 10%. Heavy alcohol use is associated with very high triglycerides. It can also be associated with pancreatitis because of difficulty metabolizing alcohol and fats together in the liver.
For people with very high triglycerides (over 250 mg/dL) abstaining from alcohol entirely may be recommended. For people who have questions about whether their amount of drinking is healthy, a self-assessment and information are available.
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
What vitamins and supplements help lower triglyceride levels?
Fish oil lowers triglycerides. The dose needed to reduce triglycerides is 1 to 4 grams of EPA/DHA per day. Four grams per day has been shown to reduce triglycerides by 25% to 30%. People with the highest triglycerides benefit most. It is worth noting that non-marine omega 3 fatty acids do not appear to lower triglycerides in the same way. The prescription form of synthetic omega-3 fatty acids, Lovasa, Vascepa, or Epanova is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with triglycerides over 500 mg/dL.
Niacin is another supplement for lowering triglycerides. Both regular and extended-release nicotinic acid has been shown to reduce triglycerides by up to 40% (at a dose of 1500 mg per day). Niacin has the added benefit of increasing HDL and lowering LDL. The high doses of niacin needed to lower triglycerides can cause uncomfortable flushing in some people. To avoid this, niacin can be taken with baby aspirin, with food, or with an extended-release form of niacin/nicotinic acid (one in which the niacin is mixed with an edible wax such as carnauba wax). Inositol-hexanicotinate, marketed as no-flush niacin, is NOT the same thing and contains very little nicotinic acid.
Fibers, such as chia, flax, psyllium, or bran, help lower triglycerides. Fibrates, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been used for decades, also have a triglyceride-lowering effect through the same general mechanisms.
Alpha-lipoic acid, a dietary supplement antioxidant, also has triglyceride-lowering effects. Because alpha-lipoic acid has other beneficial effects on overall cardiovascular and diabetes risk, this makes it a good option. Several studies have found that 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid is helpful for high triglycerides.
There are other supplements with limited research supporting their benefit in hypertriglyceridemia.
- Recent research has shown that probiotics may play a role in lowering triglycerides.
- Two lactobacillus species have been studied and found to lower triglycerides.
- Some research suggests l-carnitine can benefit triglyceride-lowering as well.
What other lifestyle changes help lower triglycerides?
Lifestyle strategies are a way to lower triglycerides naturally.
Weight loss has a positive effect on triglycerides. For every 5% to 10% weight reduction, triglycerides may be lowered by 20%. Another way to look at this: For every kilogram (2.2 lb) lost, triglycerides may be reduced by 2%.
Increasing physical activity lowers triglycerides.
- Aerobic activity of any kind, especially when done after a meal, uses up triglycerides that are in the blood ready to be used as fuel. This not only lowers triglycerides but also helps with abdominal obesity.
- Exercise is most effective for lowering triglycerides when they are very elevated. If triglycerides are optimal (less than 100), exercise will not further lower the level.
All together, intensive lifestyle strategies can reduce triglycerides by 50% or more over a year. Lifestyle strategies can enable people to effectively reduce triglycerides without medicine or drugs, plus there are many other positive effects on other aspects of health and well-being. This is the recommended approach of the American Heart Association for anyone with triglycerides greater than optimal (greater than 100 mg/dL).
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Heart Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Do high triglyceride levels affect HDL and cholesterol levels?
Triglycerides are involved in the transport of fatty acids to muscles and tissues for energy.
- HDL particles are involved in the transport of excess fatty acids from the periphery back to the liver for elimination. Because of these competing roles, it is very difficult to increase HDL, the healthy good cholesterol, without first addressing triglycerides.
- HDL not only transports excess lipid to the liver for disposal, but it also transports cholesterol to organs such as the adrenals, ovaries, and testes for steroid hormone synthesis.
- Many of the strategies discussed here that lower triglycerides are also known to raise HDL.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Jia, R., et al. "Effects of dietary α-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, and sex on antioxidative ability, energy, and lipid metabolism in broilers." Poultry Science 93.11 (2014): 2809-2817.
Miller, M., et al. "Triglycerides and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association." Circulation 123.20 (2011): 2292-2333.
Mozaffarian, D. and R. Clarke. "Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Suppl 2 (2009): S22-S33.
Pashaj, A., et al. "α-Lipoic acid as a tryglyceride-lowering nutraceutical." Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 93.12 (2015): 1029-1041.
Vrablink, M. and R. Ceska. "Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia: a review of current options." Physiological Research Suppl 3 (2015): S331-S340.
Top How to Lower Triglycerides Naturally Related Articles
Cholesterol Drugs Slides
When diet and exercise aren't enough, should you turn to drugs? Learn cholesterol basics, drug classes, and available drugs along with their benefits and side effects.Cholesterol Levels: What's Normal and How to Lower High Cholesterol
What do cholesterol numbers mean? LDL, HDL, good, bad, and triglycerides - Get the facts on cholesterol, blood testing, medications, and how to keep your cholesterol in check.Cholesterol Test
A cholesterol blood test measures the amount of cholesterol in the body. There are two types of cholesterol; the "good" cholesterol or HDL, and the "bad" cholesterol or LDL. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Learn more about cholesterol tests and how to interpret them.Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan
A type 2 diabetes diet or a type 2 diabetic diet is important for blood sugar (glucose) control in people with diabetes to prevent complications of diabetes. There are a variety of type 2 diabetes diet eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, ADA Diabetes Diet, and vegetarian diets.Learn about low and high glycemic index foods, what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid if you have type 2 diabetes.Nutrition Quiz
Even if you think you're getting enough fruits and vegetables per day, how can you be sure? Take the Diet & Nutrition Quiz to learn more about eating right.Fat & Fats Quiz
Take this online Fat & Fats Quiz to learn if you really are what you eat!Cholesterol Quiz
High cholesterol can be a dangerous condition. Take the Cholesterol Quiz to understand what high cholesterol means in terms of your health risks.High-Fiber Foods
Learn about high-fiber foods. From fresh fruits to whole grains, these fiber-rich foods can lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, and improve digestion.Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle but may include constipation, memory loss, hair loss, and depression. There are a variety of causes of hypothyroidism, and treatment depends on the cause.Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What does research say are the best omega 3 supplements? What are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids? Learn how Omega 3 rich foods like fish oil, salmon, walnuts, & more can boost brain power, save you from joint pain, ease depression and create a healthier you.Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid pulse. Treatment of pancreatitis often requires hospitalization.Stroke
A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain caused by either a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Symptoms of a stroke may include weakness, numbness, double vision or vision loss, confusion, vertigo, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech. A physical exam, imaging tests, neurological exam, and blood tests may be used to diagnose a stroke. Treatment may include administration of clot-busting drugs, supportive care, and in some instances, neurosurgery. The risk of stroke can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stopping smoking.Triglycerides (Tests and Lowering Your Triglyceride Levels)
Triglycerides are a common form of fat that we digest. Triglycerides are the main ingredient in animal fats and vegetable oils. Elevated levels of triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, fatty liver disease, and pancreatitis. Elevated levels of triglycerides are also associated with diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and medications (for example, diuretics, birth control pills, and beta blockers). Dietary changes, and medication if necessary can help lower triglyceride blood levels.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting. Check out the center below for more medical references on vitamins and calcium supplements, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.