Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, serving as stored energy. Your body converts any unused calories into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells for later use. While much attention is given to the health implications of high triglyceride levels, the question of whether these levels can be too low is less commonly discussed.
What Are Triglycerides and Normal Ranges
Triglycerides are fats that circulate in your bloodstream, obtained both from the foods you eat and produced by your body from excess calories. They are then stored in fat cells and released by hormones to provide energy between meals.
For adults, a healthy triglyceride level is below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL are classified as borderline high, while levels from 200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL are considered high. Very high levels are those at or above 500 mg/dL. For children and teenagers aged 10-19, a normal triglyceride level is below 90 mg/dL. Very low levels are defined as under 50 mg/dL.
Are Low Triglycerides a Problem
Unlike high triglyceride levels, which are widely recognized as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, very low triglyceride levels are not considered a direct health concern for most individuals. Some research suggests that lower triglyceride levels might be associated with improved metabolic health. For many, moderately low levels, such as those between 40-60 mg/dL, do not indicate any underlying health issues.
However, persistently or extremely low triglyceride levels can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition that warrants investigation. While low triglycerides themselves usually don’t cause noticeable symptoms, any symptoms would likely be related to the root cause. Therefore, while not typically problematic on their own, very low readings can indicate an underlying issue.
Reasons for Low Triglyceride Levels
Several factors can contribute to low triglyceride levels. Genetic conditions can lead to extremely low readings; these disorders impair the body’s ability to produce or absorb fats. Another reason can be issues with nutrient absorption, such as malabsorption syndromes where the intestines struggle to absorb fats and other nutrients. Conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), or cystic fibrosis fall into this category.
Nutritional deficiencies, often stemming from severe malnutrition or very low-fat diets, can also result in reduced triglyceride levels, as the body lacks the necessary dietary fats and carbohydrates to form them. Certain medical conditions, including an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which increases the body’s metabolism and energy consumption, or chronic liver disease, which impacts triglyceride production, can also lead to low levels. Additionally, some medications like statins and fibrates, commonly prescribed to lower high triglycerides, can significantly lower levels.
Managing Low Triglyceride Levels
Managing low triglyceride levels involves identifying and addressing any underlying causes. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis. If a medication is determined to be the reason for low levels, a doctor might consider adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative treatments.
For cases where diet is a contributing factor, such as a severely restrictive low-fat diet, dietary adjustments may be suggested. This could involve incorporating healthy fats, like those found in olive oil, avocados, and omega-3-rich fish, to help normalize levels. For genetic conditions or more complex medical issues, specialized management plans tailored to the specific condition will be required.