Lipase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly in the pancreas and has the function of breaking down food fats into smaller molecules so that they can be absorbed by the gut.In addition to the pancreas, the mouth and stomach also produce lipase to aid digestion.
The high level of lipase in the blood is usually treated according to the cause of the problem, since its elevated levels indicate the existence of a disease of the digestive system, especially acute pancreatitis, this test is usually done with the measurement of amylase, since both promote a better diagnosis of the cause of the problem.
High levels of lipase may be related to diseases such as
In contrast, low lipase levels usually indicate cystic fibrosis.See all symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
The test to assess lipase values is done when one of the aforementioned diseases is suspected or when symptoms such as fever, severe abdominal pain, stool fat, weight loss and nausea and vomiting are suspected.
In cases of acute pancreatitis, amylase levels are generally 5 to 10 times higher than normal and already increase 4 to 8 hours after an acute attack of the disease, with amylase levels; these values usually remain high up to 7 to 14 days after the disease.seizures and higher levels do not indicate the severity of the disease, only its presence.Find out how pancreatitis is treated.
Normal lipase levels range up to 50 U/L and may vary slightly depending on the method used in each laboratory, age and medical history.
Amylase values are normal up to 125 IU/L for people under 60 and up to 151 IU/L for people over 60.Learn more about the amylase test.
There are lipase-containing supplements that can be used for chronic indigestion when the person is unable to properly process and absorb food, it is commonly used especially in cases of celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, which are diseases that cause changes in bowel function.
Use of this supplement may help reduce symptoms such as gas and discomfort after a high-fat meal and should only be used with a prescription.
Lack of lipase and low fat absorption can cause problems such as low weight, vitamin A, K, E and D deficiency and a higher frequency of diarrhea.