Can Triglycerides Be Too Low?

When it comes to triglyceride levels, lower is usually better. However, it is possible to have triglyceride levels that are too low.

The Role of Triglycerides

• Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that stores energy. They provide energy to all parts of the body except the brain.

Normal Levels for Triglycerides

• Normal triglyceride levels are under 150. A reading between 150 and 199 is considered borderline high.

What is Too Low?

• Triglyceride levels of less than 50 are rare but still considered healthy. If a triglyceride reading is less than 35, that may indicate an underlying health problem.

Causes of Low Triglycerides

• Several factors can cause excessively low triglycerides: hyperthyroidism, an extremely low fat diet, some medications, and any health condition that causes poor absorption of nutrients or malnutrition.

Treatment for Low Triglycerides

• The treatment for low triglycerides usually involves treating the underlying problem--for instance treating hyperthyroidism, changing medications or eating a more balanced diet.