Description
"Lipase" is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fats into absorbable components. Produced by the pancreas, this enzyme engages in fat metabolism and nutrient assimilation. Functioning alongside bile, its primary action emulsifies complex lipids, aiding digestion and absorption. Furthermore, its role extends to optimizing fat utilization in individuals with dietary challenges. Naturally present in the body, lipase contributes to metabolic efficiency, cellular energy production, and digestive stability.
Functions in the Body
Category
Deficiency Symptoms
A deficiency in lipase can lead to abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle and bone pain, enlarged liver and spleen, fatty skin deposits, high triglycerides, malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and allergies.
Lipase
Warnings
Excessive consumption of lipase supplements can cause nausea, diarrhea, and cramping. It should be used with caution in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.
Food Sources
Lipase can be found in foods such as avocados, kefir, kimchi, miso, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt.
Time Frame
Lipase is most effective when taken before meals, especially those high in fat, to aid digestion.
Depleted By
Lipase can be depleted by the use of fat-blocking medications, blood thinners, and poor dietary habits that inhibit fat digestion.