Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the blood, formed when the body converts excess calories (especially from carbohydrates and alcohol) into fat for storage. They are carried by VLDL particles and, when elevated, contribute to atherogenic dyslipidemia.
Fasting triglyceride levels provide insight into metabolic health beyond what cholesterol alone reveals. Elevated triglycerides are strongly associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio (TG/HDL) is one of the best surrogate markers for insulin resistance and small, dense LDL particles.
Triglycerides are highly responsive to lifestyle changes. Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugar, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol can significantly lower triglycerides — often within weeks.
What It Measures
Triglycerides measure the concentration of triglyceride molecules in the blood after a 10–12 hour fast. They reflect recent dietary intake, carbohydrate metabolism, and the liver's lipid processing efficiency.
Reference Ranges
| Status | Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Optimal | < 70 mg/dL |
| Normal | 70–100 mg/dL |
| Borderline | 100–150 mg/dL |
| Out of Range | > 150 mg/dL |
Optimal Ranges
| Group | Range | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 0–150 | mg/dL | Standard reference |
| Optimal | 0–100 | mg/dL | Functional range |
| High | 200–499 | mg/dL | Standard reference |
When Values Are High
Elevated triglycerides indicate excess energy intake, insulin resistance, or metabolic dysfunction. The TG/HDL ratio is a powerful marker of insulin resistance (>3.0 is concerning).
When Values Are Low
Very low triglycerides (<50 mg/dL) may indicate malnutrition, malabsorption, or hyperthyroidism. In most contexts, low triglycerides are protective.
What To Do
Lifestyle
- •Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugars (primary driver of triglycerides)
- •Limit alcohol — even moderate intake raises triglycerides significantly
- •Regular exercise reduces triglycerides by 20–30%
- •Time-restricted eating may lower fasting triglycerides
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (2–4g EPA/DHA daily) reduce triglycerides by 15–30%
- •Berberine has triglyceride-lowering effects
- •Niacin lowers triglycerides but has side effects
When to Retest
Retest 6–8 weeks after dietary changes (must fast 12+ hours)
How GATOR Tracks This
Lab Providers
Related Clinical Ratios
Related Biomarkers
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results and treatment decisions.
Track Triglycerides in GATOR
Import your lab results and see how this biomarker trends over time with AI-powered context.
Get Started Free