Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They play an important role as the body’s primary form of stored energy. When a person consumes more calories than their body needs, these excess calories are converted into triglycerides. The body then stores these triglycerides in fat cells, making them available for energy use.
What Are Triglycerides and Normal Levels?
Triglyceride levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. For adults, a normal triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL. Levels between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL are classified as borderline high. When levels reach 200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL, they are considered high, and levels 500 mg/dL or above are categorized as very high. For children and teenagers aged 10-19, a normal triglyceride level is below 90 mg/dL, while for children under 10, it is less than 75 mg/dL.
A low triglyceride level is below 50 mg/dL.
When Triglycerides Dip Too Low
When triglyceride levels fall significantly, they are considered dangerously low. Levels consistently below 50 mg/dL are often a point of concern for medical professionals.
These very low levels can signal underlying physiological disruptions. Triglycerides serve as a concentrated energy source, and their significant depletion can compromise the body’s ability to fuel its various functions. This can affect how the body utilizes fat for energy, potentially impacting overall metabolic processes. Such low levels may also reflect issues with nutrient absorption or severe metabolic stress.
Why Triglyceride Levels Can Become Dangerously Low
Dangerously low triglyceride levels can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from genetic predispositions to specific medical conditions and certain medications. One significant category includes malabsorption disorders, where the intestines struggle to absorb fats and other nutrients from food. Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or cystic fibrosis can lead to poor fat absorption, resulting in lower circulating triglyceride levels.
Certain genetic conditions can also contribute to unusually low triglycerides. For instance, familial hypobetalipoproteinemia is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to produce or transport lipoproteins, which are responsible for carrying fats like triglycerides in the blood. Severe liver disease, such as advanced cirrhosis, can also disrupt the liver’s capacity to synthesize triglycerides. The liver plays a central role in fat metabolism, and its impaired function directly impacts triglyceride production.
Additionally, some medications can lead to decreased triglyceride levels as a side effect. These may include certain cholesterol-lowering drugs like fibrates or statins, although their primary action is to reduce elevated levels. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, can also accelerate metabolism to such an extent that fat is burned off rapidly, leading to lower triglyceride concentrations. Severe malnutrition or prolonged periods of starvation can deplete the body’s fat stores, resulting in very low triglyceride levels.
Recognizing and Responding to Low Triglyceride Levels
Recognizing dangerously low triglyceride levels often begins with a person experiencing various symptoms, although these can be non-specific and overlap with other conditions. Individuals might report general fatigue, as their body lacks sufficient energy reserves. Muscle weakness or unexplained weight loss can also be indicators, reflecting the body’s inability to store or utilize fat effectively. Digestive issues, such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or fatty stools (steatorrhea), may occur if the underlying cause is a malabsorption disorder.
Diagnosis of low triglyceride levels is typically made through a blood test, specifically as part of a lipid panel, which also measures cholesterol levels. This test often requires fasting for 8 to 12 hours beforehand to ensure accurate measurement of circulating fats. If low levels are detected, further investigation will likely be conducted to identify the root cause. This might involve additional blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures tailored to the suspected underlying condition.
Management approaches for dangerously low triglyceride levels focus on addressing the identified cause. If a malabsorption disorder is diagnosed, treatment might involve dietary changes, enzyme replacement therapy, or medications to improve nutrient absorption. For genetic conditions, management may involve specialized dietary interventions or, in some cases, specific therapies to support metabolic function. If a medication is identified as the cause, a healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or explore alternative treatments. The overall goal is to restore triglyceride levels to a healthier range, ensuring the body has adequate energy stores and preventing further physiological disruptions.