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title: "Triglycerides Definition & Meaning | infoMD Health Glossary"
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# Triglycerides

tri·glyc·er·ides - try-GLIS-er-idz

## Definition

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body and in the foods you eat. They circulate in the bloodstream and serve as the body's primary form of stored energy - when you eat more calories than you need, the excess is converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. When energy is needed between meals, [hormones](/glossary/hormone) trigger the release of triglycerides from fat stores to be used as fuel.

Triglyceride levels are measured as part of a standard lipid panel blood test, alongside total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL; borderline high is 150-199; high is 200-499; and very high is 500 mg/dL or above. Elevated triglycerides are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly when combined with low HDL cholesterol - a pattern commonly seen in [metabolic syndrome](/glossary/metabolic-syndrome).

Very high triglycerides (above 500 mg/dL) also increase the risk of pancreatitis - a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Common causes of elevated triglycerides include excess caloric intake (particularly from refined carbohydrates and sugar), obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled diabetes, [hypothyroidism](/conditions/hypothyroidism), kidney disease, and certain medications (including some beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and [estrogen](/glossary/estrogen)).

## Also Known As

Triacylglycerols TAG Blood fats 

## Key Facts

-   • Normal triglycerides: <150 mg/dL; borderline: 150-199; high: 200-499; very high: ≥500 mg/dL. 
-   • Unlike cholesterol, triglyceride levels are significantly affected by recent food intake - a 12-hour fast is required for accurate measurement. 
-   • Refined carbohydrates and sugar are actually more potent triggers of elevated triglycerides than dietary fat. 
-   • Very high triglycerides (>500 mg/dL) increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. 
-   • Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA at prescription doses) can lower triglycerides by 20-50%. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

If your triglyceride levels are elevated, your healthcare provider will likely recommend lifestyle modifications as the first-line approach: reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, achieving healthy weight, and increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through fatty fish or supplements.

For very high triglycerides (>500 mg/dL) or when lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications may be necessary - including fibrates, prescription [omega-3s](/glossary/omega-3-fatty-acids) (icosapent ethyl), and statins. Addressing underlying conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or [hypothyroidism](/conditions/hypothyroidism) is also critical for normalizing triglyceride levels.

## Related Terms

[Lipids](/glossary/lipids)[Cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol)[Omega-3 Fatty Acids](/glossary/omega-3-fatty-acids)[Metabolic Syndrome](/glossary/metabolic-syndrome)[Cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular)[Saturated Fat](/glossary/saturated-fat)

## Related Articles

[![The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1498837167922-ddd27525d352?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&fm=webp)](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide)

[](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide)[Nutrition & Diet](/nutrition)

### The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide

2026-01-20

## Sources

1.  [Triglycerides](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-are-triglycerides) - American Heart Association
2.  [Triglycerides: Why do they matter?](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186) - Mayo Clinic
3.  [Hypertriglyceridemia](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459368/) - StatPearls / PubMed

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