Overview & Description
Triglycerides are a common form of fat found in both food and
the body. They make up 95% of the fat in the foods a person eats.
They're also found in blood plasma and along with cholesterol,
they make up the plasma lipids. Triglycerides occur naturally in foods.
The liver also makes them from carbohydrates when calories are
eaten that are not needed right away. They are stored in the
body's fat tissue. Certain hormones control the release of triglycerides
from the body's fat tissue as more energy is needed between meals.
Information
The National Cholesterol Education Program, which is a part
of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, put out new guidelines
for healthy fasting blood triglyceride levels in 2001. They are as follows:
150mg/dL = Normal (healthy) range
150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline-high range
200 to 499 mg/dL = High range
500 mg/dL or higher = Very high range
Changes in lifestyle will help lower blood levels of
triglycerides to a healthy level. These include:
losing weight, if overweight
being physically active for 30 minutes per day at least 5 days a week
eating less saturated fats
and cholesterol,
by following a low-fat diet where fat is 30 percent or less
of total daily calorie, with less than 10 percent of that from saturated fat
eating plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
drinking no more than two alcohol
drinks per day (for men) or one per day (for women)
eating less carbohydrates, such as high-sugar desserts and
snacks, sweeteners, and sweetened beverages
eating more fish such as trout, sardines, tuna, and salmon, which are
good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and may help keep
triglyceride levels stable
stopping smoking
substituting healthier forms of fat such as canola oil,
olive oil, and liquid margarine for saturated fats
When a person has his or her blood cholesterol
checked, the doctor may also check triglycerides. This is
most often done when people have other risk factors for heart disease, such as:
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
obesity
smoking
diabetes
chronic kidney disease
circulatory problems
A fatty meal that is high in triglycerides will cause a short-term
jump in blood cholesterol levels. Because of this, people must fast for 12
hours before a blood test. A person should have two or three tests,
one week apart, for the most accurate results.
Triglyceride levels can be affected by any or all of the
following factors.
alcohol intake
medicine
hormones
diet
menstrual cycle
time of day
recent exercise
Medicines may be used in people with very high
triglyceride levels if they have:
diagnosed heart disease
a family history of high triglycerides, known as
familial hypertriglyceridemia
consistent high cholesterol levels with low levels of HDL
Functions and Sources
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Triglycerides are present in all foods that contain fat, whether
from animals or plants. They are also added to some foods during processing.
How does the nutrient affect the body?
High blood levels of triglycerides result from the following
conditions:
in carbohydrate-sensitive people whose bodies have trouble breaking
down fats or carbohydrates
obesity
diabetes,
especially type 2 diabetes
in those who drink alcohol heavily
High blood levels of triglycerides have been linked to heart
disease in some people. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.
Many people with high triglyceride levels have low levels of high-density
lipoprotein, called HDL.
HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it acts like a removal
system for cholesterol. Low levels of HDL are another risk factor for heart
disease.
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