Low Triglycerides: Risks, Causes & What to Know

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.