Chapter 5: Triglyceride-lowering treatment in adults

RATIONALE Non-pharmacological treatment of high triglycerides TLC includes dietary modification, weight reduction, increased physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and treatment of hyperglycemia (if present). Evidence that TLC will reduce serum TGs in patients with CKD is weak. However, the elements of TLC are unlikely to lead to harm and may improve general health. In the opinion of the Work Group, it is reasonable to advise patients with high fasting levels of serum TGs (45.65 mmol/l [4500 mg/dl]) to adopt TLC. Dietary changes that may reduce serum TGs include a low-fat diet (o15% total calories), reduction of monosaccharide and disaccharide intake, reducing the total amount of dietary carbohydrates, and use of fish oils to replace some long-chain TGs. Dietary modification should be used judiciously, if at all, in individuals who are malnourished. This is a weak recommendation that is based on very low quality evidence.