Triglycerides are a combination of three fatty acids, saturated fat, unsaturated fat or both and glycerol, a simple form of sugar found in our blood. They are absolutely necessary for the normal performance of the body as they are a form of energy.

Found in meat, dairy products, cooking oils and fats; they are absorbed by our intestines and packaged into parcels of fats and proteins. These carry the triglycerides in the blood stream to our tissues to be used for energy straight away, or stored for later.

High triglycerides are formed when we store more triglycerides in our fat cells than we need. They are not visible to the naked eye so it is important to have regular blood tests to check your levels as there are various risk factors associated with this including:

  • Obesity.
  • Lack of or no exercise.
  • Eating more calories than you physically burn.
  • Consuming processed foods.
  • Smoking and excess alcohol intake.
  • Medication.
  • If you are suffering with any similar symptoms, contact your GP for further advice and tests.