What If You Have Very Low Triglyceride Levels?

Triglycerides, a fatty substance located in the bloodstream, can be dangerous at both high and low levels. While high levels contribute to diabetes and kidney failure, patients with unusually low levels of triglycerides may have hyperthyroidism or malabsorption syndrome.

Normal Levels

• Triglyceride concentrations below 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood are considered normal, while levels between 200 and 499 are high.

Causes

• Low levels of triglycerides are often caused by malnutrition or a diet that is too low in fat. Abnormally low levels are often present in patients with malabsorption syndrome, a condition in which the body is unable to digest important nutrients. Low levels are also present in people with hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid overproduces certain hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

• Patients with abnormally low triglyceride levels may have an overactive thyroid gland. Referred to as hyperthyroidism, this medical condition happens when the gland releases too much of the hormones that control metabolism. Hyperthyroidism may also be caused by non-cancerous growths on the thyroid.

Testing

• Patients must fast for up to 12 hours before being tested for triglyceride levels. A health care provider will draw blood from your vein for testing.

Warnings

• Before being tested for triglycerides, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you take. Birth control pills, fish oil and ascorbic acid can affect the outcome of a test.