Triglycerides: What Fat and Sugar Have in Common

Holiday splurges can result in more than extra weight to shed in the New Year. Sweet cookies, pies, and candies all rich in fat, along with excess alcohol and calories can lead to a spike in triglyceride levels. This increase in triglycerides may put you at increased risk for heart disease.

In the Q&A section below, Lorraine Matthews-Antosiewicz, registered dietitian and author of 10 Days to Sugar Free: Sugar Detox Survival Guide, has answered questions regarding the relationship between triglycerides, sugar, and fat.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat that come from food, and your body also makes them. They are the most common type of fat found in the body. Triglycerides are continually circulating in the blood ready to be metabolized to provide a source of energy when needed, but their main function is to store energy for later use.  When you consume more calories than your body can use, it converts the excess into triglyceride and stores it in fat cells. Fat cells hold the triglyceride molecules until your body needs energy between meals. Hormones signal the fat cells to release the triglycerides for your body to use.

Why do triglycerides matter?

When present in excess, triglycerides can be stored as fat which may lead to obesity and related health conditions over time. Research suggests that high levels of triglycerides in the blood may increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. According to the American Heart Association, young people with high triglyceride levels have a four times greater risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke than young people with normal triglyceride levels.

How are triglycerides measured?

Triglyceride levels in the blood are measured by a simple blood test. Your doctor will usually check for high triglycerides as part of a routine cholesterol screening called a lipid panel or lipid profile. Fasting for nine to 12 hours is required before blood is drawn for an accurate triglyceride measurement.

What is considered a normal triglyceride level?

The American Heart Association guidelines for triglyceride levels are as follows:

• healthy: below 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL)
• borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL
• high: 200 to 499 mg/dL
• very high: 500 mg/dL and above.

What causes high triglycerides?

Some people have a genetic predisposition to manufacture excessive amounts of triglycerides. Triglycerides can become elevated as a result of having diabetes, hypothyroidism, or kidney disease. Being overweight and inactive can also contribute to abnormal triglycerides. Dietary factors play a role as well.

How does diet affect triglycerides?

Eating too much of the wrong kinds of fats – saturated and trans fats – can raise your blood triglycerides. Triglyceride levels can also rise after drinking alcohol or eating foods that are high in carbohydrates especially sugary and refined carbs. This includes sugar, honey, agave and other sweeteners, soda and other sugary drinks, candy, baked goods, and anything made with white (refined) flour including white bread, cereals, pastries, white pasta, and white rice. Dried fruit and fruit juice contain high amounts of fructose which has a strong impact on raising triglyceride levels.

What is the recommended intake for sugar?

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day (25 grams) of added sugar for adult women and 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams) for men. While all individuals should limit sugar intake, it is especially important for those with increased triglyceride levels. Consumption of sugary  low-quality refined carbs causes a sudden rise in insulin, which may lead to a spike in triglycerides.

For further guidance, access Lorraine’s 10 Days to Sugar Free: Sugar Detox Survival Guide here.

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net