What is lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme that helps to break down dietary fats or lipids e.g. triglycerides and oils into smaller compounds (fatty acids, monoglycerides) so they can be digested and assimilated into the blood stream. These enzymes are produced in the pancreas and the digestive tract, which consists of the salivary glands, the stomach and the intestine. It is also highly used as a digestive enzyme supplement.

Where does lipase come from?
• Human sources - In humans, these enzymes are produced in the pancreas as pancreatic lipase, the blood as lipoprotein or hepatic lipase, the digestive tract as gastric lipase; which consists of the salivary glands, the stomach and the intestine.
• Food sources – Lipases are also present in foods such as: pineapple, lentils, avocado, lentils and oats just to name a few. The pro’s of using this source of digestive enzymes is they are more acid stable, meaning they are less likely to get rendered useless by stomach acid in humans as they are passed down the digestive tract.
• Animal sources – A widely used source of lipase for food supplements comes from animals.

Lipase test
Much like amylase testing, blood is drawn for determining lipase levels and is usually taken for diagnosing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This is a simple test done at the doctor’s office. Other reasons for elevated lipases include but are not limited to: Gallbladder Stones, infection or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), elevated triglycerides in the blood, a weakend kidney function, too much alcohol consumption, pancreatic cancer and acid lipase disease.

Preparing for lipase test
1. Stop eating at least eight hours before the test
2. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications

Hyperlipasemia
Elevated lipase levels after eating. What does it mean? – It may be the result of an underlying condition that is aggravated when after eating a meal, especially a meal high in fat. Consultation of a doctor would be wise especially if you have a family history of any condition listed above.