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Triglycerides Test

Triglycerides Test

January 21, 2026
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Do I need a Triglycerides test?

Struggling with weight gain, low energy, or worried about your heart health?

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that reveals how efficiently your body stores and uses energy. High levels can signal increased risk for heart disease and metabolic issues.

Testing your triglycerides gives you a vital snapshot of your cardiovascular health and metabolic function. It's the essential first step to creating a personalized plan that addresses your weight concerns, boosts your energy, and protects your heart for the long term.

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Get tested with Superpower

If you’ve been postponing blood testing for years or feel frustrated by doctor appointments and limited lab panels, you are not alone. Standard healthcare is often reactive, focusing on testing only after symptoms appear or leaving patients in the dark.

Superpower flips that approach. We give you full insight into your body with over 100 biomarkers, personalized action plans, long-term tracking, and answers to your questions, so you can stay ahead of any health issues.

With physician-reviewed results, CLIA-certified labs, and the option for at-home blood draws, Superpower is designed for people who want clarity, convenience, and real accountability - all in one place.

Key benefits of Triglycerides testing

  • Reveals your heart disease and stroke risk from stored blood fats.
  • Flags metabolic syndrome early, before diabetes or cardiovascular disease develops.
  • Explains fatigue, brain fog, or weight gain tied to insulin resistance.
  • Guides diet, exercise, and medication choices to lower cardiovascular risk effectively.
  • Tracks how lifestyle changes or treatments improve your metabolic health over time.
  • Clarifies pancreatitis risk when levels climb dangerously high (above 500 mg/dL).
  • Best interpreted with HDL and LDL cholesterol for complete cardiovascular insight.

What is Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat circulating in your bloodstream. They are made up of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone, which is why they're called "tri-glycerides." Your body creates them in the liver and intestines from the fats and carbohydrates you eat, especially sugars and starches that aren't immediately needed for energy.

Your body's portable fuel reserve

Triglycerides serve as your primary energy storage molecule. After a meal, excess calories are packaged into triglycerides and stored in fat cells (adipocytes) throughout your body. When you need energy between meals or during physical activity, hormones signal these fat cells to release triglycerides back into the bloodstream.

A window into fat and sugar metabolism

Measuring triglycerides in your blood reveals how efficiently your body processes dietary fats and carbohydrates. The level reflects the balance between how much fat you're consuming or producing and how quickly your cells are using it for fuel. This makes triglycerides a key marker of metabolic health and energy balance.

Why is Triglycerides important?

Triglycerides are the body's primary circulating fat, shuttling energy from meals to cells and storing excess calories in adipose tissue. They reflect how efficiently your metabolism handles dietary fat and carbohydrate, and elevated levels directly accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing risk for heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis. Normal fasting values sit below 150 mg/dL, with optimal levels closer to 100 or less.

When triglycerides run too low

Values below 50 are uncommon outside of malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, or hyperthyroidism. Very low triglycerides may signal inadequate calorie intake, chronic illness, or rare genetic lipid disorders. Most people tolerate low levels without symptoms, though severe depletion can impair fat-soluble vitamin absorption and energy reserves.

When triglycerides climb above normal

Levels above 150 indicate impaired fat clearance, often driven by insulin resistance, excess sugar or alcohol intake, obesity, or genetic predisposition. Moderately high values thicken arterial walls and promote plaque formation. Severe elevation beyond 500 raises acute pancreatitis risk, causing sudden abdominal pain and systemic inflammation. Women may see triglycerides rise during pregnancy and with oral contraceptives, while men typically show higher baseline levels.

The metabolic ripple effect

Triglycerides serve as a metabolic barometer, linking diet, insulin sensitivity, liver function, and cardiovascular fate. Persistently high levels often travel with low HDL cholesterol and small, dense LDL particles, amplifying long-term vascular damage and metabolic syndrome progression.

What do my Triglycerides results mean?

Low triglycerides

Low values usually reflect efficient fat clearance or reduced dietary fat intake and absorption. Very low levels may occasionally signal malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes affecting the gut, or rare genetic lipid disorders. In some cases, an overactive thyroid gland speeds metabolism and lowers circulating triglycerides. Low values are generally not a clinical concern unless accompanied by other signs of nutrient deficiency or systemic illness.

Optimal triglycerides

Being in range suggests balanced fat metabolism and effective clearance of dietary and liver-produced lipids from the bloodstream. Most labs define normal as below 150 mg/dL, though optimal cardiovascular health is associated with levels well below that threshold, often under 100 mg/dL. Staying in the lower portion of the reference range reflects stable insulin signaling, healthy liver function, and lower risk for metabolic and vascular complications.

High triglycerides

High values usually reflect excess calorie intake, insulin resistance, or impaired clearance of fat particles from the blood. Elevated triglycerides often accompany metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. They can also rise with excess alcohol, certain medications, untreated hypothyroidism, or kidney disease. Very high levels increase the risk of pancreatitis and contribute to cardiovascular disease through effects on cholesterol particles and inflammation.

Notes on interpretation

Triglycerides fluctuate significantly with recent food intake, so fasting samples are preferred. Pregnancy, acute illness, and some medications can temporarily elevate levels.

Method: FDA-cleared clinical laboratory assay performed in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratories. Used to aid clinician-directed evaluation and monitoring. Not a stand-alone diagnosis.

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Similar biomarker tests from Superpower

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How it works
What should I expect during a blood draw?
  • A trained phlebotomist will guide you through the process.
  • A tourniquet is placed on your arm, the site is cleaned, and a small needle is used to collect blood into one or more tubes.
  • Results are usually ready in about a week.
  • Most people feel only a quick pinch.
  • The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a bandage is placed.
How do I prepare for a blood draw?
  • Drink plenty of water beforehand — hydration makes veins easier to find.
  • Wear loose sleeves so your arm is easy to access.
  • Follow any fasting instructions you’ve been given.
  • Let us know if you’re on medications, have fainted before, or have needle anxiety.
What should I do after my blood draw?
  • Press gently on the site for a few minutes.
  • Keep the bandage on for 4-6 hours.
  • Skip heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Drink extra water to rehydrate.
  • Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or pain.
How do I book a blood draw with Superpower?

Your membership includes:

  • An annual full body test and report across 100+ biomarkers
  • A personalized action plan to optimize your biomarkers and reach your health goals
  • A dashboard to centralize your health data and track changes across a lifetime
  • Access to a health concierge for questions on your plan and help scheduling
  • Plus a marketplace of curated health products and services cheaper than amazon

Many concierge clinics charge $10k – $100k for their services, we’ve built technology to make the world’s best healthcare as accessible as possible via an all-in-one membership.

Where can I take my blood test?

Superpower is currently available in the following US states:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
Our testing
Does Superpower replace my primary care provider?

Superpower specializes in prevention-based testing and treatments and is not intended for emergency or immediate health issues.

While you will have a Superpower care team, your annual membership is designed to complement a primary care doctor if you have one, not replace them.

We are happy to help you share any test results with an outside provider to ensure you receive well-rounded medical care.

How fast are blood test results and how do I read them?

Your annual lab test panel takes about a week to process. We will text you as soon as they become available in your dashboard. Other types of tests may have different testing windows. The Superpower concierge is your own health assistant who helps answer your questions on your results, ensure smooth scheduling, coordination of any office-based tests, specialist referrals as needed, and navigating you to interface with your care team.

Does Superpower accept health insurance?

Superpower membership and products are all eligible for HSA/FSA funding.

We see Superpower like a gym membership for those committed to prevention and performance. Superpower is a bridge between wellness and healthcare. Health insurance traditionally focuses on reactive care whereas, at Superpower, we believe it’s never too early to start looking out for your long-term health.

What if I want more than 1 blood test per year?

Absolutely — you're not limited to just one. Your membership includes one comprehensive 100+ biomarker blood test each year, but if you'd like to track your progress more closely, you can add extra tests at any time. Each additional full-panel test costs $179. You can order as many as you'd like throughout the year.

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Vinay Hiremath, Founder of Loom

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Frequently Asked Questions about Triglycerides Test

What are triglycerides in a blood test, and why are they called “tri-glycerides”?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat circulating in your bloodstream. They’re made of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone - hence “tri-glycerides.” Your liver and intestines produce triglycerides from fats and carbohydrates you eat, especially sugars and starches not immediately used for energy. A triglycerides test helps show how your body packages, stores, and uses fat for fuel.

How do triglycerides work as your body’s energy storage and “portable fuel reserve”?

After meals, excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells (adipocytes). Between meals or during physical activity, hormones signal these fat cells to release triglycerides into the bloodstream so tissues can use them for energy. This is why triglycerides are considered your primary energy storage molecule. Blood triglyceride levels reflect the balance between storage, release, and fuel use.

What is a normal fasting triglycerides level, and what is considered “optimal”?

Most labs define normal fasting triglycerides as below 150 mg/dL. Many clinicians consider “optimal” closer to 100 mg/dL or less because lower levels generally align with better metabolic flexibility and lower cardiovascular risk. Because triglycerides fluctuate with recent food intake, fasting samples are preferred for accurate interpretation. Results are most useful when viewed alongside other lipids like HDL and LDL cholesterol.

Why do high triglycerides increase heart disease and stroke risk?

High triglycerides indicate excess circulating blood fats that can contribute to atherosclerosis - lipid-rich plaque buildup in artery walls. Elevated levels are closely linked with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, all of which raise cardiovascular risk. Over time, persistently high triglycerides signal that the body is converting excess sugar, refined carbs, or alcohol into stored fat, accelerating heart attack and stroke risk.

What triglyceride level increases pancreatitis risk, and what does that mean for my health?

Triglycerides above 500 mg/dL are considered dangerously high and are associated with increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and is a medical emergency. Extremely high triglycerides can occur with insulin resistance, alcohol use, certain medications, pregnancy-related changes, or genetic lipid disorders. Tracking triglycerides helps identify pancreatitis risk early and guide urgent risk-reduction steps.

How can high triglycerides cause fatigue, brain fog, or weight gain related to insulin resistance?

High triglycerides often accompany insulin resistance, where the body struggles to manage blood sugar and fat storage efficiently. When the liver converts excess sugar and refined carbohydrates into triglycerides, blood fats can rise, contributing to inflammation and thicker blood that may impair oxygen delivery. This metabolic pattern is associated with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and increased risk of metabolic syndrome before diabetes develops.

What are the most common causes of high triglycerides (diet, alcohol, medications, pregnancy, thyroid)?

High triglycerides commonly reflect excess calorie intake, insulin resistance, or impaired clearance of fat particles from the bloodstream. Excess dietary sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol are potent drivers. Triglycerides may also rise during pregnancy and can be elevated by medications such as corticosteroids, beta-blockers, or estrogen therapy. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), acute illness, and genetic lipid disorders can also affect triglyceride levels and interpretation.

Why do triglyceride tests often require fasting, and how much can food affect results?

Triglycerides can fluctuate significantly after eating because the bloodstream temporarily fills with triglyceride-rich particles from a recent meal. That’s why fasting samples are preferred - they better reflect baseline metabolic handling of fats and carbohydrates. Non-fasting results may appear elevated even if underlying fasting levels are normal. For the clearest cardiovascular and metabolic insight, triglycerides are typically interpreted alongside fasting HDL and LDL cholesterol.

What do low triglycerides mean, and when could very low levels be a problem?

Low triglycerides often reflect efficient fat clearance, lower dietary fat intake, or reduced liver production of triglyceride-rich particles. In most cases, low levels are not clinically concerning and can accompany good metabolic health. Very low triglycerides may occasionally signal malnutrition, malabsorption, or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which increases fat breakdown. Persistently low values can also hint at issues with energy reserves and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

How should I interpret triglycerides with HDL and LDL cholesterol for complete cardiovascular insight?

Triglycerides provide a window into fat and sugar metabolism, but they’re most informative when considered with HDL and LDL cholesterol. Together, these markers help clarify cardiovascular risk patterns linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. High triglycerides alongside unfavorable HDL/LDL patterns can signal higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Tracking triglycerides over time also shows how diet, exercise, and medications improve metabolic health.

Finally, healthcare that looks at the whole you