Triglycerides

Introduction

As a Nurse Practitioner with an autonomous practice in Florida, I frequently encounter patients seeking to understand the complexities of their blood test results and how these impact their overall health. One such critical component often assessed during routine blood work is triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at triglycerides, their clinical implications, and how they can influence your health.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They play a vital role in storing and providing energy to your body. Your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in your fat cells and are later released to provide energy between meals. However, consistently high levels of triglycerides can be detrimental to your health, leading to various diseases.

Background and Sources of Triglycerides

Triglycerides in the bloodstream can come from two primary sources: exogenous (from diet) and endogenous (synthesized by the liver).

• Exogenous Sources: Dietary fats are emulsified in the digestive tract and broken down into free fatty acids, which are absorbed, re-formed into triglycerides, and packaged into chylomicrons for transport.
  
• Endogenous Sources: The liver synthesizes triglycerides from free fatty acids and glycerol, packages them into very low–density lipoproteins (VLDL), and releases them into the bloodstream.

   

Normal Ranges and Testing

The measurement of triglyceride levels is typically part of a lipid panel, which is used to assess cardiovascular risk. The standard ranges for triglycerides are:

• U.S. Units: 0.00 – 149.99 mg/dL
  
• International Units: 0.00 – 1.69 mmol/L
  
• Optimal Range: 70.00 – 80.00 mg/dL or 0.79 – 0.90 mmol/L

   

A 12-hour fasting period is recommended before testing to prevent dietary fat intake from affecting the results.

Clinical Implications of Triglyceride Levels

Low Triglyceride Levels

Low triglyceride levels can indicate several underlying conditions, including:

• Biliary Insufficiency/Stasis: Impaired fat emulsification and digestion.
  
• Dietary Deficiencies: Very low-fat diets.
  
• Hyperactive Thyroid: Increased fatty acid metabolism.
  
• Inflammation: Destructive autoimmune processes.

   

High Triglyceride Levels

Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with various health issues:

• Metabolic Syndrome: Cluster of risk factors including high triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and blood glucose with low HDL.
  
• Fatty Liver/Steatosis: Indicates hepatic fat accumulation.
  
• Cardiovascular Function: Elevated risk of atherosclerosis and CVD.
  
• Hypothyroidism – Primary: Can elevate triglycerides and cholesterol.

   

Interfering Factors

Certain factors can interfere with the accuracy of triglyceride measurements:

• Increased bilirubin, uric acid, or Vitamin C can falsely decrease readings.
  
• High-fat diet, alcohol intake, pregnancy, obesity, or severe acute stress can falsely increase readings.

   

Drug Associations

Certain medications can influence triglyceride levels:

• Decrease Levels: Clofibrate, nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil.
  
• Increase Levels: Beta-blockers, cholestyramine, corticosteroids, diazepam, diuretics, estrogens, oral contraceptives.

   

Managing Triglyceride Levels

Managing triglyceride levels involves addressing lifestyle factors and underlying conditions:

• Dietary Modifications: Reduce saturated/trans fats and refined sugars; include omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds).
  
• Regular Exercise: Lowers triglycerides and improves cardiovascular health.
  
• Weight Management: Losing excess weight significantly lowers triglycerides.
  
• Medication: When necessary, use lipid-lowering agents under medical supervision.

   

Conclusion

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine practitioner integrates triglyceride assessment into a holistic cardiometabolic care plan. By combining precise biomarker profiling with personalized nutrition counseling, gut microbiome optimization, and advanced therapeutics, this approach transcends symptom management to rebuild metabolic resilience and optimize vascular health. Contact us at 904-799-2531 or schedule online, and explore our IV therapy and medical weightloss services for targeted lipid support.

Further Reading

• Berglund, L., Brunzell, J. D., Goldberg, A. C., Goldberg, I. J., Sacks, F., Murad, M. H., & Stalenhoef, A. F. H. (2012). Evaluation and treatment of hypertriglyceridemia: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 97(9), 2969–2989.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3431581/

• Virani, S. S., et al. (2023). What is really new in triglyceride guidelines? Current Opinion in Lipidology, 34(2), 87-94.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36722448/

• Toth, P. P., & Granowitz, C. (2022). Management of mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Endocrine Practice, 28(11), 1222-1233.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35850450/

• Laufs, U., Parhofer, K. G., Ginsberg, H. N., & Hegele, R. A. (2020). Clinical review on triglycerides. European Heart Journal, 41(1), 99-109c. management.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31764986/