Triglycerides They are a type of fat that is in the blood and provides energy to the body. The liver makes them, but we also acquire them through food, specifically from the fatty acids that the intestine absorbs. They are commonly called fats and many people think that it is better to avoid them in our diet, however they have to be at established levels and it is as bad to have high and low triglycerides. When the level is lower than normal it is called hypotriglyceridemia And, although it is not very common, it must be treated since it can cause health problems. In this oneHOWTO article we tell you what the symptoms and causes of low triglycerides.
What are triglycerides and what are their normal values?
Triglycerides They are a type of fat They are both part of the adipose tissue but are also circulating in the blood. They are the most common form of fat in our body and are important since they provide energy to the body.
We acquire them through food, and from which the liver is able to elaborate, and once the body has the calories it needs, the rest is transformed into fat. That is why many people think that they are bad since they will create fat in our body, which means weight gain, and they tend to eliminate fat from their diets.
It is a mistake to think like this since high levels can cause not only overweight but cardiovascular problems, but high levels are just as bad as low ones, since the triglyceride insufficiency It will make our body not have enough energy and it can also lead to health problems.
And what values are suitable? The range of normal triglyceride level it is between 35 and 150 mg / dl. Less than 35 mg / dl is considered low triglyceride levels and more than 150 high levels.
Causes of low triglycerides
Low triglyceride levels are not very common, unlike high levels. However, there are some conditions or diseases that can cause low levels. The most common causes of hypotriglyceridemia are:
Low fat diet
Eliminating fat from the diet is not all that good. It is true that it is recommended to moderate the levels of fats, especially saturated and trans fats, but they should not be eliminated completely. As we have seen before, many people think that eliminating fat from their diet is the best thing and this is not true. The liver makes many fatty acids but not all the necessary ones, so it needs food to get them. When you eat a low-fat diet you can feel fatigued or tired and health problems can occur.
Malnutrition
A malnourished body is not getting all the necessary nutrients for the body. This uses all stored fat as a last resort and depletes it and this reduces triglyceride levels, which drop considerably. The grosbeak It may be due to social causes such as lack of resources or neglect, very common in underdeveloped countries. But it can also be due to other problems such as alcoholism or anorexia. In this case, the solution is to make changes in the diet to replace fat stores.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland increases its activity and an excess of thyroid hormones is produced. People with hyperthyroidism will tend to have the low triglycerides Due to the high metabolic rate, since the hormones secreted by the thyroid are responsible for regulating metabolism. In this case, the solution will be to treat the disease.
Malabsorption syndrome
Low triglyceride levels may be due to malabsorption syndrome. It can be caused by digestive or general diseases and causes the body to not absorb nutrients well, especially fats. It can be due to cancer, AIDS, liver disease, or radiation treatments.
There are also some less common causes of low triglycerides as they are:
- Weightloss: a severe weight loss can cause a drop in blood triglycerides. This is related to malnutrition. If the body does not have the necessary fats, it will use the reserves that remain.
- Some medications: there are medications or food supplements that are used to lower cholesterol or even inhibit the absorption of triglycerides. The problem is that if the person who consumes them has somewhat low triglyceride levels, it can lead to an even greater drop with its consequences. However, your doctor will better assess which medications to prescribe.
Symptoms of low triglycerides
Although they are not very common, low triglyceride levels may cause some symptom as they are:
- Loss of muscle mass: it is the clearest symptom. This is because by not having triglycerides, the body uses the reserves it has and this causes the muscle mass to decrease.
- Neurological disorders.
- Inflammation of the retina.
- Lipid malabsorption: if in spite of taking fat there is a weight loss, perhaps it is that lipid malabsorption is taking place.
Consequences of low triglycerides
High triglycerides have worse consequences than low levels, but you also have to watch out for levels below 35 mg / dl. The consequences of low triglyceride levels are:
- Kidney protection is decreased, as well as other organs.
- Loss of muscle mass. As we have seen, it is the clearest symptom and a consequence of low levels.
- Malnutrition can be one of the causes but also the consequence of low triglycerides, if these drop too low the body acts as if it was not receiving the necessary nutrients, as if it were malnourished.
Treatment of low triglycerides
The treatment of low triglyceride levels it will depend, in any case, on the cause. If it is hyperthyroidism, it will focus on treating the disease and in cases of malnutrition or a low-fat diet, a suitable diet will be established for the person. However, a good treatment is Vitamin E, which your doctor can prescribe and is taken as pills by mouth. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient in the body and participates in the production of energy. Protects cells from problems caused by free radicals, which are compounds that are formed when the body transforms the food we eat into energy.
It is essential to go to the doctor for a blood test and once in treatment the reviews will be periodic to verify that the levels remain stable.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Symptoms and causes of low triglycerides, we recommend that you enter our Family Health category.