TRIGLYCERIDES | APOA5 (rs2075291)

If your genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with reduced APOA5 function and less efficient triglyceride clearance. People with AA commonly have a higher predisposition to elevated triglycerides and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Recommended focus

• Diet: Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars. Emphasize whole grains, fiber rich vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. Replace refined starches with whole grain and fiber-rich options.
• Healthy fats: Prioritize omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and chia or flax seeds. Replace trans fats and excessive saturated fats with monounsaturated fats like olive oil and avocado.
• Alcohol: Minimize or avoid alcohol. Even moderate intake can raise triglycerides in susceptible people.
• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus two sessions of resistance training. Higher intensity or increased frequency often provides greater triglyceride lowering.
• Weight management: Losing excess weight, even 5 to 10 percent of body weight, often reduces triglycerides substantially.
• Supplements: Consider omega-3 fish oil supplements under medical supervision; prescription formulations may be appropriate if triglycerides are very high. Discuss supplement choice and dose with your healthcare provider.
• Monitoring: Get fasting or nonfasting lipid panels as recommended by your clinician. If triglycerides are above 150 mg/dL follow-up tests and treatment plans may be needed.

If your genotype is AC, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with a likely modest reduction in APOA5 efficiency and a tendency toward higher triglyceride levels compared to people without the effect allele. Your risk of coronary artery disease may be elevated relative to baseline, but lifestyle changes are very effective at reducing that risk.

Recommended focus

• Diet: Reduce added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Emphasize vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein sources.
• Healthy fats: Include fatty fish 2 to 3 times per week and use olive oil or other unsaturated fats. Limit processed fats and fried foods.
• Alcohol: Keep intake low or avoid if triglycerides are elevated.
• Exercise: Follow general cardiovascular exercise recommendations. Even brisk walking 30 minutes most days improves triglyceride metabolism.
• Weight control: Maintain a healthy body weight and body composition to support normal triglyceride levels.
• Supplements: Fish oil can be beneficial but check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
• Monitoring: Check lipid panels periodically, especially if you have additional risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If your genotype is CC, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. Your APOA5 function is expected to support normal triglyceride clearance. This does not guarantee low triglycerides, because environment and lifestyle are major determinants of actual blood levels.

Recommended focus

• Diet: Continue a heart healthy diet that minimizes added sugars and refined carbohydrates, emphasizes whole foods, and includes regular servings of vegetables and lean protein.
• Healthy fats: Include omega-3 rich foods and prefer unsaturated fats over saturated and trans fats.
• Alcohol: Consume in moderation or avoid if advised by your clinician.
• Exercise and weight: Maintain regular physical activity and a healthy weight to preserve good triglyceride control.
• Monitoring: Routine lipid screening remains important, particularly if you develop other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or elevated LDL cholesterol.