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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are triglycerides and how can I lower them?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Weight Management
    Last time I went to the doctor my triglycerides levels were high. What does this mean? How should I adjust my diet?
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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    3 fatty acids combine with a glycerol molecule to form what we call triglycerides. Triglycerides are not only present in the body through the consumption of fats, but also through the consumption of carbohydrates.  Our body uses triglycerides as a source of energy, however when in excess they are stored as fat and can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. Management strategies include reducing portion size, alcohol intake and carbohydrates (particularly refined carbohydrates such as bread, sugar and soft drinks). Increasing physical activity levels may also help.  

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  • Dung Pham

    Dietitian

    Dung is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who currently works in Community Health and Private Practice as a HACC/CH dietitian and Health Coach. She has also … View Profile

    In addition to the recommendations made by Kirsty Woods, triglycerides can be elevated due to alcohol intake and elevated blood sugar levels (often seen in people with diabetes or prediabetes).  

    From a dietary perspective the National Heart Foundation recommends fish oil supplementation as the 1st line of defense. They have a very good summary on their website. In summary the recommended starting dose for those with “high triglycerides” is fish oil supplementation providing 1200mg/day of DHA and EPA with the potential to increase to 4000mg a day.

    I would strongly encourage you to speak to a dietitian as from experience clients are often confused with which fish oil supplementation to take. As an example fish oil stating 1000mg - has on average 300mg of combined EHA/DHA which is the active form that has the beneficial effect. In addition as dietitians we look at your diet as a whole.

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  • Sally Marchini

    Dietitian

    Personally experienced diabetes and coeliac dietitian. Marchini Nutrition is a dietitian service set up to help those with or at risk of diabetes and coeliac … View Profile

    Building on the replies from Kirsty Woods and Dung Pham, triglycerides are produced by the liver in response to saturated fat, poor quality/quantity carbohydrate and alcohol intake, and are converted to fat if not used by the body. Increasing your fibre intake and eating lots of fresh, multicoloured vegetables and legumes will start you on the right track (and physical activity), but a visit to an Accredited Practising Dietitian will ensure your personal nutritional needs are being met.

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