Triglycerides are a type of lipid the body uses as a short-term form of storage of excess calories because they can be rapidly converted into energy. Elevated levels of triglycerides can result in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Along with diet and lifestyle changes, there are a number of different ways in which you can lower triglyceride levels, including increasing your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Identification
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat which can be found in some foods, such as flaxseed, walnuts and fatty fish, which includes salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout and albacore tuna. There are several different kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, often abbreviated as DHA and EPA, which can both be found in fish oil, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Another omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linoleic acid or ALA, can be found in plants such as flaxseeds and walnuts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Triglycerides
Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken as a way of reducing high triglyceride levels. The two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil, DHA and EPA, can lower the amount of triglycerides in your blood, the Mayo Clinic reports. In addition, these beneficial fats can help lower your risk of heart disease by raising the level of HDL or "good" cholesterol in your blood. It is not known whether alpha-linoleic acid also reduces triglyceride levels, as different studies have yielded conflicting evidence.
Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken in supplement form to lower triglycerides. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil supplements, are sold at many drug stores. There is also a prescription form of omega-3 fatty acids that comes in 1 g capsules containing approximately 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, RxList.com reports. The standard dose of is four tablets per day, which can either be taken all at once or divided into two doses.
Side Effects and Interactions
Omega-3 fatty acids can cause some side effects when taken in supplement form. Some patients may develop gastrointestinal problems, such as burping, nausea, heartburn or a change in their sense of taste. Omega-3 fatty acids can also interfere with blood clotting, so people who are taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin may need to avoid using these fats as a way of lowering triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids may also not be appropriate for people who have a history of bruising or bleeding easily, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes.
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