Lipase – what it is, types, what it is for and contraindications!

Lipase is one of the  key enzymes in the digestive process. Its blood test, called lipase, allows the doctor to assess the function of the pancreas to follow up on a treatment. These enzymes are protein -based substances that help stimulate chemical reactions.

Hepatic lipase is an enzyme synthesized in the liver and is primarily involved in the hydrolysis of triglycerides into chilomicromi residues (de facto “leftover” forms) and IDL, not large lipoproteins of biological significance but which represent a phase of transformation of VLDL into LDL .

It was found that an increase in hepatic lipase is obtained as a result of administering heparin intravenously, since the latter means the separation of the same by the endothelium, which leads to an increase in its activities in a circle.

What are lipases?

Lipases are water -soluble lipolytic enzymes that catalyze the digestion of dietary lipids by splitting the ester bond that binds the hydroxyl groups of glycerol with long-chain fatty acids.

However, they are responsible for the digestion of fats and are naturally present in the body; The function of these enzymes, specifically, is to transform triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids so that essential nutrients are properly absorbed by the intestine. Thus, this enzyme is an element produced largely by the pancreas, partly from the mouth and partly from the stomach.

Its amount can be measured in the blood. Under normal conditions, the blood concentration of these enzymes is reduced; however, after damage to the cells of the pancreas (as happens, for example, in pancreatitis) or in case of obstruction of the pancreatic duct (by stones or neoplastic processes), in the blood flow a greater amount of Lipase is reversed , wherein an increase in blood values ​​of this parameter is observed.

Types of lipases:

In our body there are several types:

• Salivary;
• Gastric;
• Pancreatic;
• Intra-adipocyte;
• Vascular endothelium or lipoprotein lipase ;
• Liver.

What is it for?

On average, food stays in the stomach for about two or three hours; in this time period oral and gastric lipases break down about a third of food-borne fats. In addition, they certainly act as catalysts in the digestive process of dietary lipids, transforming triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids.

Dosage:

The doctor requires evaluation of lipase in a patient with clinical signs of pancreatic insufficiency (abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea , fever …). While, in fact, the measurement of blood carried out through sampling (fasting), it contributes to the diagnosis of pancreatitis or any disease that disturbs the normal functioning of the pancreas.

However, the test is also prescribed during treatment. Lipase is usually associated with amylazemia (measurement of the level of amylase). This digestive enzyme certainly allows for the digestion of sugars. Normal lipase values ​​vary depending on the reagent used. However, the lipase rate is considered pathological when it is not less than 160 IU/L (units per liter).

Contraindications and warnings:

Lipase is a safe supplement for most people. Minor side effects may include nausea , cramping, and diarrhea . Incidentally, during pregnancy and lactation, contact your doctor before taking any enzyme supplement. If you have cystic fibrosis, high doses can make some of your symptoms worse.

Also, if you are taking medication to aid digestion or digestive enzymes, you should not use lipase without first talking to your doctor.

If you take other digestive enzymes like papain, pepsin, betaine could destroy these enzymes. However, to avoid this, it is possible to choose enteric coated enzymes, which are protected from the destruction of stomach acid.

After all, as always, talk to your doctor before taking any enzyme supplements if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications or supplements.