What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Triglyceride and Lipid Levels: 8/10 evidence, 3 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Optimal Lipid Profile and Lower Triglycerides
This genotype is associated with lower circulating triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol. It represents an evolutionary adaptation to diets rich in healthy fats.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Efficient omega-3 fatty acid processing.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/G
Typical Lipid Profile and Balanced Metabolism
This genotype is associated with average lipid levels and typical fatty acid processing. It represents a balanced metabolic profile common in many global populations.
What this genotype means: Typical triglyceride levels; Average HDL cholesterol levels; Standard dietary fat metabolism.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Triglycerides and Lower HDL Cholesterol
This genotype is linked to elevated circulating triglycerides and lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol. It may increase susceptibility to cardiovascular imbalances.
What this genotype means: Elevated circulating triglycerides; Reduced HDL cholesterol levels; Less efficient polyunsaturated fat processing.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The FADS3 gene encodes fatty acid desaturase 3, a member of the fatty acid desaturase gene cluster on chromosome 11. This gene cluster plays a critical role in regulating the unsaturation of fatty acids by catalyzing the insertion of double bonds into fatty acid chains. FADS3 is highly expressed in various tissues and is involved in the biosynthesis of highly unsaturated fatty acids and lipid homeostasis [1]. Variations in this gene cluster are strongly associated with circulating lipid levels, including triglycerides and cholesterol [2].
Variant Impact: The rs7115739 variant is an intronic change located within the FADS3 gene. This genetic variant acts as a key marker for altered lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition in the bloodstream [3]. The major G allele is associated with more efficient processing of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a more favorable lipid profile [1]. In contrast, the minor T allele is linked to altered desaturase activity, leading to higher circulating triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein levels [2].
Key Insight: This variant was a primary target of natural selection in Greenlandic Inuit, helping them adapt to a traditional marine diet exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Location: FADS3. Chromosome 11 · 11q12.2 · 61.9 Mb
Origin Story: In Greenlandic Inuit populations, the G allele is nearly universal due to intense natural selection. This genetic adaptation allowed their ancestors to thrive on a traditional diet dominated by marine mammals, which is extremely high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3s, while protecting them from metabolic stress and cardiovascular issues.
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 3.2%; European 0.1%; African 6.9%; East Asian 7.5%; South Asian 3.7%; Americas 8.0%; Ashkenazi 0.1%; Finnish 0.1%; Middle Eastern 0.1%; Amish 0.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 20.4%; European 5.8%; African 38.8%; East Asian 39.8%; South Asian 30.9%; Americas 40.6%; Ashkenazi 4.8%; Finnish 6.2%; Middle Eastern 5.3%; Amish 5.3%.
Estimated TG genotype frequency.
Global 76.4%; European 94.1%; African 54.3%; East Asian 52.6%; South Asian 65.4%; Americas 51.3%; Ashkenazi 95.2%; Finnish 93.7%; Middle Eastern 94.6%; Amish 94.6%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Lowered Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Elevated Levels.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Blood Chemistry & Metabolites
Phosphatidylcholines. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 35668104. Elevated Levels.
Macronutrient Metabolism
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Efficient Metabolism.
Showing effects for T/G genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Typical Levels.
Phosphatidylcholines. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 35668104. Typical Levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Typical Metabolism.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 24097068. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Lowered Levels.
Phosphatidylcholines. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 35668104. Lowered Levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 40545721. Altered Metabolism.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
An optimal lipid metabolism profile is characteristic of this genetic combination. Large-scale genetic analyses show that this genotype is linked to significantly lower circulating triglyceride levels [1]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype tend to have higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the good cholesterol [2]. The G allele also correlates with higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and other essential complex lipids, reflecting robust cellular membrane health [3]. This genetic profile is highly prevalent in populations adapted to marine-based diets, where it helps maintain cardiovascular health despite high fat intake. Having this optimized lipid clearance can be particularly beneficial when consuming diets rich in polyunsaturated fats. Overall, this genotype represents a highly adapted metabolic state that supports healthy lipid homeostasis.
Lower circulating triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Efficient omega-3 fatty acid processing.
Sample genotype: TG (Heterozygous)
An intermediate lipid and fatty acid profile is typical for this heterozygous state. Circulating triglyceride levels are typically in the normal range, balancing the protective effects of the G allele with the risk-increasing tendencies of the T allele [1]. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are also maintained at average baseline levels [2]. Fatty acid desaturase activity is sufficient to process dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids under normal dietary conditions [3]. While not possessing the highly optimized lipid clearance of the G/G genotype, this profile does not carry the elevated cardiovascular risks associated with the T/T genotype. Most individuals with this genotype experience typical metabolic responses to standard dietary fats. It represents a balanced, highly common genetic baseline across many global populations.
Typical triglyceride levels; Average HDL cholesterol levels; Standard dietary fat metabolism.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Altered fatty acid desaturase activity is associated with this specific genetic combination, leading to less efficient lipid clearance. Multiple genome-wide association studies have confirmed that this genotype significantly increases circulating triglyceride levels [1]. Concurrently, individuals with this genotype often exhibit lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, reducing natural cardiovascular protection [2]. There is also a marked reduction in the levels of beneficial phosphatidylcholines and complex polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood [3]. This genotype is relatively rare in populations with a long history of marine-based diets, where the protective G allele was heavily selected.
Elevated circulating triglycerides; Reduced HDL cholesterol levels; Less efficient polyunsaturated fat processing.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1000778 · FADS3 Gene · Chr 11 · Cardiovascular Lipid Levels
rs174455 · FADS3 Gene · Chr 11 · Gout Risk
rs174448 · FADS3 Gene · Chr 11 · Omega-3 and Triglycerides
Pleiotropic genetic architecture and novel loci for C-reactive protein levels.
Content updated August 2026.
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