Triglycerides
The main form of fat circulating in the blood, reflecting recent intake and how the body handles energy.
| Typical reference range | below 149 mg/dL |
| Commonly cited optimal range | below 100 mg/dL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Triglycerides are three fatty acids attached to glycerol. They come from dietary fat (carried in chylomicrons) and from the liver, which converts excess calories, especially sugars and alcohol, into triglycerides packaged in VLDL particles.
Why it matters
Elevated triglycerides signal triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins that contribute to atherosclerosis, and are a hallmark of insulin resistance, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. Very high levels (above ~500-1000 mg/dL) raise the risk of acute pancreatitis.
What a high result can mean
Common causes include insulin resistance or diabetes, excess weight, high intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates or alcohol, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and genetics. Medications such as oral estrogens, corticosteroids, some antipsychotics, retinoids and beta blockers can raise them.
What a low result can mean
Low triglycerides are generally favorable. Very low values can occur with hyperthyroidism, malnutrition or malabsorption.
What affects the result
Triglycerides rise substantially after meals, so fasting 9-12 hours gives the most consistent value; a non-fasting value above ~400 mg/dL usually warrants a fasting repeat. Alcohol in the prior 24-48 hours raises them. Cutting sugar and alcohol, weight loss, exercise and omega-3 fatty acids lower them. They are used in the LDL-C calculation and in HOMA/triglyceride-HDL ratio assessments.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in mg/dL.
- From mmol/L: multiply by 88.57 to get mg/dL
Also called on lab reports
Triglyceride, TG, Trig, Trigs, Triglycerides, Serum
Related tests: Lipids & Cardiovascular Risk
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.