Lipase

Lipases are one of three categories of enzymes manufactured by the pancreas. The pancreas is a leaf-shaped gland about five inches long. Along with lipase, the pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, which your body needs to metabolize sugar into the bloodstream. The other two enzymes include amylases, which break starch molecules into more simple sugars, and proteases, which break protein molecules into single amino acids. Lipases help your body digest fats by hydrolyzing (breaking up) triglycerides into base glycerol and fatty acid molecules creating free fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are more easily used by the body.

Uses

Lipase can be used to treat digestive problems and conditions that cause you to have trouble absorbing nutrients from food. These conditions can result in nutrient deficiences. Lipase supplements can help your body absorb food more easily, keeping your body's nutrients at healthy levels.

Some consider pancreatic enzymes of value in treating autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory diseases, and food allergies. Pancreatic enzymes have been most studied in treating early diagnosed celiac disease (a condition that affects the intestinal tract and can cause nutrient deficiencies) by enhancing the benefit of a gluten-free diet.

Dietary Sources

Lipase is manufactured by the pancreas. It does not come from your diet, but it can be supplemented with animal enzymes.

Other Forms

Lipase produced by the pancreas is called pancreatic lipase. There is also gastric lipase (produced by the stomach) and hepatic lipase (produced by the liver).

How to Take It

Pancreatic enzymes are available in tablet and capsule form. Follow the package directions or your health care provider's instructions for the proper dose.

Precautions

Most people produce plenty of pancreatic lipase. You are only considered to have a lipase deficiency when your pancreas produces 10 to 15 percent less than normal levels.

Lipase and other pancreatic enzyme supplements are not associated with side effects.

Possible Interactions

Using lipase supplements while taking orlistat will render these supplements ineffective. Orlistat is a medication used for the treatment of obesity that inactivates lipase to block the body’s absorption of fat.

Supporting Research

Berkow R, ed. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Home Ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 1997.

Heck AM; Yanovski JA; Calis KA. Orlistat, a new lipase inhibitor for the management of obesity. Pharmacotherapy 2000 Mar;20(3):270-9

Mahan KL, Marian A. Krause's Food Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1993.

Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing; 1986.

Physicians’ Desk Reference. 54th ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc.; 2000:2693-2696.

Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lea and Febiger; 1994

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