Ask the Pharmacist

How to reduce triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol?

Good morning, from a periodic blood test check, the single HDL cholesterol value was found to be a little low, as follows: Total cholesterol 176 - HDL 34 - Triglycerides 163 . I practice sports 2 times a week . I would like to consider taking supplements, omega 3, I would ask you what you recommend, 500 or 1000, or other product alternatively? With what dosages? Waiting for your kind reply , thank you in advance. Best regards.

Dear Fabio,
in our body, triglycerides constitute a kind of large fat store with an important energy reserve function, but their concentration in the blood should not exceed 150 mg/dl. A valuable help in reducing triglycerides can come from omega-3 EPA and DHA. The best product to supplement your diet is. Meaquor 1000 a supplement with a high concentration of omega-3 EPA and DHA specifically designed to reduce blood triglyceride levels. To achieve this effect, it is necessary to take 2 grams per day of EPA and DHA, a dosage is achievable with 2 to 3 capsules per day of Meaquor 1000, to be taken at a main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner).

As for raising HDL values, i.e., the so-called "good" cholesterol, unfortunately, no product alone can achieve significant effects: in fact, HDL concentration is a parameter that can be modified little, but it may be sufficient not to smoke, maintain an adequate weight, and do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. A good HDL value must exceed at least 40 mg/dl. 

I would also remind her to reduce consumption of simple sugars (sweets, dehydrated fruits), limit consumption of foods high in saturated fats, such as dairy products and red meat, and avoid hydrogenated fats, found in snacks and baked goods etc., to keep her triglycerides and overall lipid profile under control. 

Best regards 

Silvia Lisciani Ph.D. Nutrition biologist