Penn Herb Wellness Guide

High Triglycerides

Also indexed as:Hypertriglyceridemia, Triglycerides (High)
Too many of the fatty compounds known as triglycerides can compromise your health. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Fish Oil
3,000 mg daily omega-3 fatty acids3 stars[3 stars]
Many double-blind trials have shown that fish oil containing EPA and DHA lowers triglycerides levels.
Guggul
25 mg guggulsterones three times per day3 stars[3 stars]
Clinical trials indicate that guggul is effective in treating high triglycerides, in one trial, serum triglycerides fell by 30.3%.
Pantothenic Acid
300 mg pantethine three times per day3 stars[3 stars]
Pantethine, a byproduct of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), has been shown to lower triglyceride levels in several clinical trials.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
500 mg three times per day3 stars[3 stars]
The niacin form of vitamin B3 is used by some doctors to lower triglycerides, however, the quantity needed to achieve reductions may cause side effects. Ask your doctor is niacin is right for you.
Achillea species
15 to 20 drops of tincture twice per day2 stars[2 stars]
Achillea wilhelmsii, an herb used in traditional Persian medicine, has been shown to significantly lower triglycerides in one trial.
Astaxanthin
4 to 12 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Astaxanthin has antioxidant and other properties that might support proper regulation of blood lipids.
Calcium
800 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Calcium supplementation has been shown to reduce triglyceride levels.
Chromium
200 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Studies have shown that chromium supplementation may reduce triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
Fenugreek
100 grams seed daily or 25 to 50 grams defatted seed powder daily2 stars[2 stars]
Fenugreek has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high lipid levels in preliminary trials..
Fructo-oligosaccharides
8 to 20 grams daily2 stars[2 stars]
Several trials have shown that FOS supplementation lowers triglycerides in people with elevated levels.
Garlic
600 to 900 mg daily of a concentrate standardized for 5,000 to 6,000 mcg of allicin2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with garlic may help keep triglyceride levels in check.
Inositol Hexaniacinate (Vitamin B3)
500 mg three times per day2 stars[2 stars]
Some doctors recommend inositol hexaniacinate (a special form of vitamin B3) as an alternative to niacin, which can have negative side effects.
Krill Oil
2 to 3 grams per day2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with krill oil may decrease triglycerides in people with elevated levels.
L-Carnitine
1 to 3 grams daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with L-carnitine may help normalize triglyceride levels.
Policosanol
10 to 20 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
Policosanol may be helpful in normalizing triglyceride levels.
Psyllium
15 grams daily2 stars[2 stars]
Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some clinical trials.
Red Yeast Rice
13.5 mg total monacolins daily2 stars[2 stars]
Although primarily used to lower high serum cholesterol, red yeast rice extract, high in monacolins, has been found to significantly lower serum triglyceride levels.
Creatine
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
One trial found that supplementing with significantly lowered serum total triglycerides in both men and women.
Green Tea
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Drinking green tea may have a positive effect on triglyceride levels.
Maitake
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Studies suggest that the mushroom maitake may lower fat levels in the blood.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.