Is there an optimal diet for the hypertriglyceridemic patient?

Many dietary factors affect plasma triglycerides. Those which decrease the triglyceride level include n-3 fatty acids from fish oil, weight loss, alcohol restriction, and a higher fat (unsaturated fat) diet, whereas a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet increases triglycerides. The individual responses and the associated magnitude of change in triglycerides as a result of these different dietary factors will vary. For patients with hypertriglyceridemia, fish oil supplements will usually elicit the most potent effects. However, some patients can normalize their triglyceride level with weight loss plus exercise, by avoiding or limiting their alcohol intake, and by increasing the total fat content of their diet. In addition, fish oil supplements can help further to reduce plasma triglycerides. Thus, the combined effects of multiple dietary interventions provide the most potent means of maximally lowering the plasma triglyceride level. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.