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LPL Gene and Triglycerides: What Your Genotype Means for Blood Fat Management

Triglycerides are the main form of fat circulating in your blood. They store energy from the food you eat, especially from fats and excess calories. The LPL gene makes the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, which helps break down triglycerides into smaller components the body can use or store. Different versions of the LPL gene can change how well this enzyme works, and that can influence your triglyceride levels and overall fat metabolism.

Why triglyceride balance matters

  • High triglyceride levels are linked to increased risk of heart disease and metabolic problems.
  • Inefficient breakdown of triglycerides can lead to accumulation of blood fats and altered fat storage.
  • Lifestyle, diet, body weight, alcohol use, and genetics all combine to determine your triglyceride levels.

Everyday steps to support healthy triglycerides

  • Limit added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Replace sugary drinks, sweets, and white flour foods with whole foods.
  • Choose healthy fats: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, seeds, and olive oil while minimizing trans fats and excessive saturated fat.
  • Increase soluble fiber from vegetables, fruits, oats, legumes, and psyllium to help lower blood fats.
  • Limit alcohol; even moderate drinking can raise triglycerides for some people.
  • Maintain or reach a healthy body weight; modest weight loss often lowers triglycerides significantly.
  • Exercise regularly: aim for a mix of aerobic activity and strength training most days of the week.

Supplements and additional supports

  • Omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) can lower triglycerides when taken at appropriate doses; discuss dose with a clinician.
  • Soluble fiber supplements such as psyllium may help reduce triglycerides and improve cholesterol profiles.
  • Niacin can lower triglycerides but may cause side effects; only use under medical supervision.
  • Plant sterols and stanols support overall lipid health but have modest effects on triglycerides.

Tests and monitoring to consider

  • Lipid panel including fasting triglycerides and calculated/non-HDL cholesterol.
  • Repeat testing after lifestyle changes or as recommended by your clinician.
  • Assess weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose or A1c to evaluate metabolic health.

How your LPL rs328 genotype influences triglyceride processing

The accordion below explains the typical effects and practical considerations for each genotype at rs328. These descriptions reflect genetic predispositions only. Lifestyle and other health factors play a major role in actual triglyceride levels.

CC genotype — two effect alleles (reduced LPL activity)

What this means

  • Reduced lipoprotein lipase enzyme activity compared with typical function.
  • Less efficient breakdown of triglycerides in the blood, increasing risk for elevated triglyceride levels.
  • Higher likelihood of fat accumulation in blood and tissues when other risk factors are present.

Practical recommendations

  • Be proactive with diet: strongly limit added sugars and refined carbs, favoring whole grains, lean protein, and vegetables.
  • Increase omega-3 intake from fatty fish 2–3 times per week or consider a fish oil supplement after consultation with your clinician.
  • Prioritize soluble fiber from oats, legumes, fruits, and psyllium to support triglyceride lowering.
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use; for some people with reduced LPL activity, even moderate alcohol raises triglycerides.
  • Adopt a regular exercise routine with both aerobic and resistance training to enhance lipid metabolism.
  • Monitor fasting triglycerides and overall lipid panel with your healthcare provider; act on trends not single values.

When to seek clinical advice

  • If fasting triglycerides are above 150 mg/dL, discuss risk-reduction strategies with your clinician.
  • If triglycerides exceed 500 mg/dL, seek prompt medical evaluation because of pancreatitis risk and potential need for medical therapy.
GC genotype — one effect allele (moderately reduced LPL activity)

What this means

  • Partial reduction in lipoprotein lipase activity.
  • Moderate genetic predisposition toward higher triglyceride levels compared with people without the variant.
  • Effect is smaller than having two effect alleles but still relevant when combined with other risk factors.

Practical recommendations

  • Limit sugars and refined carbohydrates and emphasize whole, fiber-rich foods.
  • Include regular servings of fatty fish or discuss an omega-3 supplement with your clinician if diet is inadequate.
  • Maintain a healthy weight; even modest weight loss helps lower triglycerides.
  • Stay physically active and limit sedentary time—break up long periods of sitting with short walks or activity.
  • Reduce alcohol intake, especially if you notice triglyceride changes after drinking.
  • Track lipid panels periodically and address any upward trends early with lifestyle adjustments.
GG genotype — zero effect alleles (typical LPL activity)

What this means

  • Typical lipoprotein lipase function and standard efficiency in breaking down triglycerides.
  • No inherited reduction in LPL activity from rs328; lifestyle and other genes still influence triglycerides.

Practical recommendations

  • Follow general healthy-lipid guidance: limit sugars and refined carbs, choose healthy fats, and eat plenty of fiber.
  • Keep active and maintain a healthy weight to preserve favorable triglyceride levels.
  • Monitor lipid panels as part of routine preventive care to catch any changes early.

Putting genetics in context

Having a genetic variant that reduces LPL activity does not guarantee high triglycerides. Diet, activity, body composition, alcohol use, medications, and other genes all shape your lipid profile. Genetics provides one piece of the overall picture and can help prioritize prevention and monitoring.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing diet, supplements, exercise, or medications. Your provider can interpret genetic results in the context of your full medical history and recommend personalized testing and treatment plans.