Triglycerides: What They Are, Low and High Levels, and Treatment

Triglycerides are a type of fat that play an essential role in the body, particularly in energy metabolism, and affect several bodily systems. Keeping triglyceride levels balanced is important for health. Both low and high triglyceride levels can lead to significant health issues, so treatment may be required in such cases.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in food, consisting of a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains. Fatty acids are organic compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Triglycerides are vital for energy storage and metabolism, as the body stores excess energy from food as triglycerides. When the body needs energy, triglycerides are broken down into free fatty acids to supply the necessary energy.

What Should Triglyceride Levels Be?

Triglyceride levels refer to the amount of triglycerides in the blood when fasting. They are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The following are the classifications based on triglyceride levels:

• Ideal Triglyceride Level: 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or lower.
• Borderline High Triglyceride Level: 150–199 mg/dL (1.7–2.2 mmol/L).
• High Triglyceride Level: 200–499 mg/dL (2.3–5.6 mmol/L).
• Very High Triglyceride Level: 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) or higher.

What is Low Triglycerides?

Low triglycerides refer to triglyceride levels in the blood that are below the normal range, typically lower than 150 mg/dL. While low triglyceride levels are generally uncommon, factors such as poor nutrition and certain health issues can lead to low triglyceride levels.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Triglycerides?

As with many other essential substances, a deficiency in triglycerides can lead to various symptoms, particularly fatigue. Symptoms associated with low triglycerides include:

• Extreme Weakness: Since triglycerides are a key source of energy, low triglyceride levels can result in energy deficiency and weakness.
• Fatigue and Tiredness: The lack of energy from triglycerides can cause fatigue and general tiredness.
• Emotional Changes: Low triglyceride levels can lead to emotional changes, resulting in depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating in some individuals.
• Skin Issues: Triglycerides help maintain skin hydration and health, so low levels may cause dryness, itching, rashes, or sensitivity.
• Immune System Issues: Triglycerides contribute to immune system functioning, so low levels may weaken immune defenses and increase susceptibility to infections.

What Causes Low Triglycerides?

Low triglycerides may be due to genetic or metabolic disorders or insufficient nutrition. Common causes of low triglycerides include:

• Poor Nutrition: Since triglycerides are derived from fats and carbohydrates, a low intake of these foods may lead to reduced triglyceride levels.
• Malabsorption: Malabsorption is a condition in which the intestines cannot absorb nutrients properly, affecting triglyceride absorption and resulting in low triglyceride levels.
• Liver Disease: Since the liver produces and metabolizes triglycerides, liver disease can reduce triglyceride production.
• Hypermetabolic Conditions: Hypermetabolic conditions, which increase the body’s energy needs—such as intense physical activity, hyperthyroidism, or burns—may cause low triglyceride levels.
• Genetic Factors: Though rare, certain genetic disorders can lead to low triglyceride levels.

How is Low Triglycerides Treated?

The treatment for low triglycerides depends on identifying the underlying cause. Treatment often includes dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medications to increase and balance triglyceride levels. Some treatment options for low triglycerides include:

• Healthy Diet: Increasing healthy fats in your diet can raise triglyceride levels. It is beneficial to focus on healthy fat sources like olive oil, avocado, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Limiting refined carbohydrates and consuming adequate fiber, fruits, and vegetables is also recommended.
• Regular Exercise: Exercise is important for regulating triglyceride levels. Specific exercise recommendations may vary depending on whether triglyceride levels are low or high.
• Medication: Based on the cause of low triglycerides, a doctor may recommend medication. For example, certain medications may be prescribed to treat conditions like liver disease or malabsorption that contribute to low triglyceride levels.

What is High Triglycerides?

High triglycerides refer to triglyceride levels in the blood that are above the normal value, typically higher than 199 mg/dL. Since triglycerides play a crucial role in energy storage and metabolism, it is important for triglyceride levels in the body to remain balanced. Elevated triglyceride levels can lead to various health problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of High Triglycerides?

The symptoms of high triglycerides are often not very noticeable and are usually detected during routine checkups. However, when triglyceride levels are very high or remain elevated for long periods, certain symptoms may appear. Symptoms of high triglycerides include:

• Pancreatitis (Pancreatic Inflammation)
• Liver Issues
• Xanthomas (Lesions or Skin Conditions)
• Symptoms Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

What Causes High Triglycerides?

Since high triglycerides typically do not present obvious symptoms, they are often detected through blood tests during routine screenings. The causes of high triglycerides can be listed as follows:

• Obesity and Lack of Physical Activity: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to elevated triglyceride levels.
• High Carbohydrate and Sugary Food Consumption: Excessive consumption of sugar, starch, and refined carbohydrates can increase triglyceride levels.
• Genetic Factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to high triglyceride levels.
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is one of the conditions that increases the risk of high triglycerides.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a condition where obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high triglycerides occur together.

How is High Triglycerides Treated?

Treatment for high triglycerides includes lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications to lower triglyceride levels. These methods can be explained as follows:

• Dietary Changes: A healthy diet is one of the key factors in managing triglyceride levels. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, processed foods, fried foods, and packaged snacks, as well as limiting foods like white bread, white rice, sugary drinks, and desserts, can help lower triglyceride levels.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help lower triglyceride levels. You can plan for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week, but it's important to consult your doctor based on your age and health status.
• Weight Management: Since obesity or excess weight can increase triglyceride levels, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce triglyceride levels.
• Medication: In addition to lifestyle changes, a doctor may recommend medication for high triglycerides. Medications such as statins, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglyceride levels.