Triglycerides
Blood fats as energy reserve and atherosclerosis risk factor
Also known as
Definition
Triglycerides are neutral fats stored as energy reserves in adipose tissue and transported in the fasting bloodstream as VLDL particles. Chronically elevated levels increase cardiovascular risk and correlate with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. A 12-hour fast before blood draw is required for accurate measurement.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | mg/dl (mmol/l) |
| Reference Range | < 150 mg/dl (fasting value) |
| Optimal Range (lab2go) | < 100 mg/dl (lab2go Optimum Zone) |
Conversion: 1 mg/dl × 0.01129 = mmol/l. US labs report in mg/dl; international studies often use mmol/l. Fasting value is the standard measurement.
↓ What a low value means
Triglycerides below 50 mg/dl can indicate malnutrition, malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis), hyperthyroidism, or a very low-fat diet. Very low values are rarely clinically problematic. With healthy nutrition and moderate carbohydrates, values of 50–100 mg/dl are physiologically optimal.
↑ What a high value means
Triglycerides 150–199 mg/dl: borderline elevated, lifestyle intervention recommended. 200–499 mg/dl: elevated, significantly increased cardiovascular risk and a sign of insulin resistance. ≥ 500 mg/dl: very high, acute pancreatitis risk. Causes: high-sugar diet, alcohol, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, genetic hypertriglyceridemia, pregnancy.
✓ How to optimize this marker
Reduce carbohydrates, especially sugar and fructose (strongest influence on triglycerides). Avoid alcohol. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA, 2–4 g/day) lower triglycerides by 20–50% — the most potent dietary effect. Improve insulin sensitivity (aerobic + strength training, calorie deficit). Weight loss. Low-carb or ketogenic diet is especially effective at lowering triglycerides.
When to test
Must be fasting (at least 12 hours, water only). Part of the standard lipid panel. No alcohol the evening before. First screening at age 35 (men) / 45 (women), or earlier with risk factors. Follow-up during interventions every 3 months. Always measure triglycerides in acute pancreatitis of unclear cause.
Frequently asked questions
Why are triglycerides so low on a low-carb diet? +
Triglycerides are produced primarily from excess carbohydrates via hepatic de novo lipogenesis (fructose and glucose). On low-carb, this substrate supply is absent, causing VLDL production and triglycerides to drop sharply — often to 50–80 mg/dl.
Can elevated triglycerides cause pancreatitis? +
Yes. With triglycerides > 500 mg/dl the pancreatitis risk rises significantly. At values > 1000 mg/dl, acute pancreatitis is a serious danger. Such values require urgent medical evaluation and often fibrate therapy.
How do I distinguish genetically elevated triglycerides from diet-related elevation? +
Genetic hypertriglyceridemia often manifests in young age, in lean individuals, and despite a healthy diet. Dietary elevation improves rapidly (1–4 weeks) with sugar reduction. A fasting lipid panel combined with family history clarifies the cause.
Sources
Last Reviewed: May 28, 2026 · sina
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.