What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides: 8/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Triglycerides and Lower HDL Cholesterol
This genotype is associated with less efficient clearance of fats from the bloodstream. It typically results in higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Higher circulating triglycerides; Lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Slightly Higher Triglycerides and Lower HDL
Carrying one copy of the A allele is associated with a moderate reduction in HDL cholesterol and slightly higher triglycerides. The risk allele behaves dominantly for these lipid traits.
What this genotype means: Moderately lower HDL cholesterol; Slightly elevated triglycerides.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Optimal Triglycerides and Higher HDL Cholesterol
This genotype is associated with highly efficient fat clearance. It supports lower triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Lower baseline triglycerides; Higher protective HDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LPL gene encodes lipoprotein lipase, a critical enzyme that sits on the surface of blood vessels in muscles and fat tissue. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down triglycerides carried by chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins. By clearing these fats from the bloodstream, it provides free fatty acids to tissues for energy or storage. This process also directly influences the generation and maintenance of high-density lipoprotein, commonly known as HDL or good cholesterol. Proper functioning of this gene is essential for maintaining healthy blood lipid profiles and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Variant Impact: The rs326 variant is located within an intron, a non-coding region of the LPL gene, and acts as a genetic marker for lipid metabolism efficiency. Although it does not directly alter the amino acid sequence of the enzyme, it is strongly linked to variations in LPL activity and expression. Studies across diverse ethnic groups have consistently associated this variant with differences in circulating triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. The G allele is associated with more efficient lipid clearance, leading to lower triglycerides and higher HDL, whereas the A allele shows the opposite pattern.
Key Insight: The minor G allele of this variant acts as a natural buffer against the typical age-related rise in triglycerides and decline in HDL cholesterol over a 20-year span.
Location: LPL. Chromosome 8 · 8p21.3 · 20.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 41.5%; European 49.1%; African 19.7%; East Asian 63.1%; South Asian 57.7%; Americas 47.8%; Ashkenazi 31.0%; Finnish 54.7%; Middle Eastern 41.3%; Amish 31.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 43.6%; European 41.9%; African 49.4%; East Asian 32.7%; South Asian 36.5%; Americas 42.7%; Ashkenazi 49.4%; Finnish 38.5%; Middle Eastern 45.9%; Amish 49.3%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 15.0%; European 8.9%; African 30.9%; East Asian 4.2%; South Asian 5.8%; Americas 9.5%; Ashkenazi 19.7%; Finnish 6.8%; Middle Eastern 12.8%; Amish 19.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20150529. Lower Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193046. ~6.6% Higher.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193046. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20150529. Typical Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 18193046. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the A allele is linked to a less favorable blood lipid profile. Long-term studies show that individuals with this genotype experience a faster rate of triglyceride increase and a steeper decline in HDL cholesterol as they age. This pattern of elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The elevated levels of triglycerides are driven by a reduced rate of lipoprotein clearance from the blood. Maintaining a diet low in refined carbohydrates and engaging in regular aerobic exercise can help support healthy lipid levels for this genetic profile.
Higher circulating triglycerides; Lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Having one copy of each allele typically results in a lipid profile similar to the AA genotype. Research indicates that the presence of even a single A allele is associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels. Over a 20-year period, individuals with this genotype show a more rapid increase in triglycerides compared to those with the GG genotype. This intermediate profile suggests that the protective effects of the G allele are partially masked by the dominant influence of the A allele on lipid clearance. Lifestyle factors, such as managing dietary fat intake, play an important role in modulating these genetic tendencies.
Moderately lower HDL cholesterol; Slightly elevated triglycerides.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele is highly favorable for cardiovascular and metabolic health. This genetic profile is associated with more active lipoprotein lipase, which rapidly clears triglycerides from the bloodstream. Consequently, individuals with this genotype tend to maintain higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol. Long-term tracking reveals that this genotype helps slow down the natural, age-related rise in triglycerides over several decades. This efficient lipid clearance is associated with a lower baseline risk for coronary artery disease and metabolic complications.
Lower baseline triglycerides; Higher protective HDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10096633 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Triglycerides and Heart Health
rs115849089 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Triglyceride Levels
rs12678919 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Cholesterol and Lipids
Content updated August 2026.
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