What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Blood Triglycerides: 6/10 evidence, 23 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Significantly Higher Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
Having two copies of the G allele is linked to slower clearance of fats from the bloodstream. This genetic profile increases the risk of elevated triglycerides, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Significantly elevated blood triglycerides; Higher risk of metabolic syndrome; Increased susceptibility to high cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Triglyceride and Lipid Clearance
Carrying two copies of the C allele represents the typical genetic profile for lipid metabolism. This genotype is associated with efficient clearance of fats and a lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Efficient clearance of blood triglycerides; Typical risk of metabolic syndrome; Healthy baseline cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Moderately Higher Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
Carrying one copy of the G allele is associated with moderately slower clearance of dietary fats. This profile leads to a mild to moderate increase in triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
What this genotype means: Moderately elevated blood triglycerides; Slightly higher risk of metabolic syndrome; Moderate increase in total cholesterol risk.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Apolipoprotein C3, encoded by the APOC3 gene, plays a central role in regulating how the body processes and clears fats from the bloodstream [1]. It primarily acts as an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down triglyceride-rich particles like very low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons [1]. When APOC3 is highly active or overexpressed, it slows down the clearance of these lipid particles, leading to elevated levels of circulating triglycerides [2]. Conversely, lower levels of APOC3 activity promote rapid lipid clearance and help maintain healthy blood lipid profiles [2]. This gene is therefore a major genetic determinant of cardiovascular and metabolic health [3].
Variant Impact: The rs5128 variant is located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the APOC3 gene, a region that regulates gene expression and mRNA stability [1]. This single nucleotide change alters a binding site, which can increase the production of apolipoprotein C3 [1]. Higher levels of this protein inhibit the breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, resulting in slower clearance of dietary fats from the blood [4]. Consequently, this genetic variation is widely studied for its strong association with elevated blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome [4] [5].
Key Insight: Carrying the G allele can significantly raise triglyceride levels, especially when consuming a diet high in simple carbohydrates or alcohol.
Location: APOC3. Chromosome 11 · 11q23.3 · 116.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 2.3%; European 0.9%; African 2.3%; East Asian 9.9%; South Asian 10.0%; Americas 3.8%; Ashkenazi 2.0%; Finnish 1.8%; Middle Eastern 2.3%; Amish 0.3%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 23.2%; European 16.9%; African 25.7%; East Asian 43.1%; South Asian 43.3%; Americas 31.4%; Ashkenazi 24.3%; Finnish 23.0%; Middle Eastern 25.9%; Amish 10.0%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 74.6%; European 82.2%; African 72.0%; East Asian 47.1%; South Asian 46.7%; Americas 64.9%; Ashkenazi 73.7%; Finnish 75.2%; Middle Eastern 71.7%; Amish 89.8%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Significantly Elevated.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25928461. Elevated Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Increased Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Antimicrobial & Antiviral Response
HIV Medication Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 34693928. Higher Lipid Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25928461. Typical Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38201907. Typical Risk.
HIV Medication Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 34693928. Typical Response.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34503513. Moderately Elevated.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25928461. Moderately Elevated.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Slower clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins is a hallmark of this genetic profile [1]. Research shows that carrying two copies of the G allele leads to increased APOC3 expression, which directly inhibits the enzymes that break down circulating fats [1]. This inhibition results in significantly higher fasting triglyceride and total cholesterol levels [1] [2]. Furthermore, when combined with diabetes or a high-carbohydrate diet, this genotype is associated with elevated blood glucose levels [3]. Individuals with this profile also show a higher susceptibility to metabolic syndrome [4]. If undergoing antiretroviral therapy for HIV, there is a heightened risk of developing hyperlipidemia [5]. Managing dietary fat and carbohydrate intake is particularly beneficial for supporting cardiovascular health with this genotype [6].
Significantly elevated blood triglycerides; Higher risk of metabolic syndrome; Increased susceptibility to high cholesterol; Altered lipid response to certain medications.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Efficient breakdown of circulating fats is characteristic of this common genetic profile [1]. Lacking the G allele means apolipoprotein C3 levels remain within a typical range, allowing lipoprotein lipase to clear triglycerides from the bloodstream effectively [1] [2]. Consequently, this genotype is associated with lower fasting triglycerides and healthier total cholesterol levels [1] [2]. It also provides a natural baseline protection against metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risks [3] [4]. Even in the presence of diabetes, individuals with this profile tend to maintain more stable glucose and lipid levels compared to G allele carriers [5]. Furthermore, there is a lower risk of developing severe hyperlipidemia when taking certain medications like antiretroviral therapies [6]. Maintaining standard healthy lifestyle habits is generally highly effective for supporting long-term cardiovascular wellness [4].
Efficient clearance of blood triglycerides; Typical risk of metabolic syndrome; Healthy baseline cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
Moderate inhibition of lipid clearance enzymes occurs in individuals carrying one copy of the G allele [1]. This single-copy variation leads to intermediate levels of apolipoprotein C3, resulting in moderately elevated fasting triglycerides and total cholesterol compared to the typical genotype [1] [2]. The presence of this allele also increases the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, particularly when dietary habits are less than optimal [3] [4]. In diabetic individuals, this genotype has been linked to higher blood glucose levels alongside elevated lipids [5]. Additionally, certain medications, such as specific HIV antiretroviral therapies, may trigger a more pronounced lipid-raising response in carriers [6]. Emphasizing a balanced diet low in refined sugars and rich in healthy fats can help mitigate these genetic tendencies [4].
Moderately elevated blood triglycerides; Slightly higher risk of metabolic syndrome; Moderate increase in total cholesterol risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs138326449 · APOC3 Gene · Chr 11 · Cardiovascular Health
rs76353203 · APOC3 Gene · Chr 11 · Heart Disease Risk
rs4520 · APOC3 Gene · Chr 11 · Ischemic Stroke Risk
Associations of the APOC3 rs5128 polymorphism with plasma APOC3 and lipid levels: a meta-analysis.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Metabolic Syndrome in the Taiwanese Population.
Content updated August 2026.
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