Hypertriglyceridemia: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition where the level of triglycerides in the blood is too high. Triglycerides are a type of fat that the body stores to produce energy. A high level can be detected during a blood test, usually after 12 hours of fasting. According to medical criteria, a normal triglyceride level is below 1.5 g/L, while moderately high levels are between 1.5 and 2 g/L, and a very high level is above 5 g/L.

Symptoms

Often, hypertriglyceridemia presents no specific symptoms and is discovered during a routine blood test. However, in case of very high levels, fatty deposits may appear as small yellowish bumps on the skin, called xanthomas. A major risk is acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when triglycerides are too high.

Causes of Hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia results from two main mechanisms: overproduction of triglycerides by the liver or intestine, or a reduction of their elimination by the body. When levels exceed 10 g/L, this condition can disrupt blood flow in small vessels, particularly those of the pancreas, leading to an inflammation called pancreatitis. Hypertriglyceridemia can have genetic origins or be related to lifestyle factors or diseases:  Genetic causes (primary): Some people may have hereditary abnormalities that prevent them from properly metabolizing fats. For example, rare genetic diseases such as hyperchylomicronemia or familial hypertriglyceridemia.  Acquired causes (secondary): These include various factors related to lifestyle, underlying diseases, and the use of certain medications. An unbalanced diet, rich in saturated fats and fast sugars, associated with a sedentary lifestyle, promotes overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, which are major contributors to this condition. Moreover, ailments such as chronic kidney failure or hypothyroidism can alter lipid metabolism, leading to the accumulation of triglycerides in the blood. Alcoholism also plays a significant role by increasing the synthesis of triglycerides by the liver. Finally, some medications, like corticosteroids and diuretics, can disrupt lipid metabolism and worsen this situation. These various elements underscore the importance of medical monitoring to identify and treat underlying factors.

Dietary Measures

 Reduce caloric intake, especially in cases of overweight.  Limit foods high in sugars and alcoholic beverages.  Eat more fatty fish (rich in omega-3), which help reduce triglycerides.  Exercise regularly to improve overall health.

Medicinal Treatments

 Fibrates: These medications are often prescribed to lower triglyceride levels.  Omega-3: Omega-3-based dietary supplements can help regulate triglycerides.  Statins: Primarily used to lower cholesterol, they can be prescribed if a more comprehensive treatment is necessary.  Nicotinic Acid: Used with caution due to its side effects.

Prevention

To prevent hypertriglyceridemia, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle:  Diet: Adopt a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars.  Physical Activity: Regularly engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking or cycling.  Medical Monitoring: Regular blood tests can help monitor triglyceride levels and detect any problem in time.