National Triglycerides Day Date in the current year: March 28, 2024

Triglycerides are a type of lipids that are the main constituents of body fat. They are also present in the blood and are a major component of sebum (skin oil). Triglycerides play a crucial biological role in humans. Adipose tissue stores energy that the body can use is needed, insulates the body, and protects certain vital organs, and sebum lubricates and protects the skin and hair.

As you can see, triglycerides aren’t inherently bad. In fact, our bodies won’t be able to function without them. However, high levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of certain life-threatening health conditions such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and acute pancreatitis. What are the main causes of high triglyceride levels and how can you prevent them?

Triglycerides are produced by the liver from excess sugars that your body doesn’t need for energy right away. They can also be obtained from dietary fats that can be found in many food products: vegetable oils and animal fats, dairy products, meat and fish, nuts and seeds, sweets and baked goods, and some fruit such as avocados.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia) usually occur when a person consumes more calories than they burn, especially if they regularly consume foods rich in saturated or trans fats and simple sugars. Other causes of high triglyceride levels include excess alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, some autoimmune conditions, and certain medications.

The problem with high triglyceride levels is that most people with hypertriglyceridemia don’t experience any symptoms until there are serious complications. If you want to know your triglyceride levels, you should get a blood test. Normal blood triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dL or 1.7 mmol/L for adults.

In most cases, a healthy lifestyle is all you need to keep your blood triglyceride levels in check. It includes limiting the intake of foods that are high in simple carbs and saturated fat in favor of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, drinking alcohol in moderation, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.

National Triglycerides Day was founded in 2018 to promote cardiovascular health and raise awareness of the importance of knowing your triglyceride levels for the prevention of health risks associated with high triglycerides. The inaugural celebration was recognized and supported by multiple healthcare professional associations and societies, patient advocacy groups, biopharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders.

There are many ways to observe National Triglycerides Day. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor and get your triglyceride levels checked, just in case, make a resolution to eat healthier and exercise regularly, learn more about the so-called healthy fats and their role in maintaining healthy triglyceride levels, and post about the day on social media with the hashtags #NationalTriglyceridesDay and #TriglyceridesDay to spread the word.