Lipase is an enzyme the body uses to break down fats in food so they can be absorbed in the intestines. Lipase is produced in the pancreas, mouth, and stomach. Most people produce enough pancreatic lipase, but people with cystic fibrosis, Crohn disease, and celiac disease may not have enough lipase to get the nutrition they need from food.
Along with lipase, the pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon, two hormones the body needs to break down sugar in the bloodstream. Other pancreatic enzymes include amylase, which breaks down a certain starch into its sugar building blocks, and protease, which breaks down protein into single amino acids.
Most people do not need additional lipase. However, people with the following conditions may find lipase supplements helpful.
Celiac disease is a condition in which gluten (a protein found in grains) damages the intestinal tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. People with celiac disease must follow a strict diet that is free of gluten. Pancreatic enzymes have been studied as part of the treatment for celiac disease, however, it is not clear how much they help. In one study of 40 children with celiac disease, for example, those who received pancreatic enzyme therapy (including lipase), had a modest weight gain compared to those who received placebo. The weight gain happened during the first month. Taking pancreatic enzyme supplements for another month did not lead to more weight gain.
In a small clinical study of 18 people, supplements containing lipase and other pancreatic enzymes helped reduce bloating, gas, and fullness following a high-fat meal. These symptoms are commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So some researchers speculate that pancreatic enzymes might help treat symptoms of IBS. No studies have been done to test this theory.
People with cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, often have nutritional deficiencies because mucus blocks pancreatic enzymes from getting to the intestines. Taking pancreatic enzymes as prescribed by a doctor helps improve the nutrition they get from food.
Lipase is produced primarily in the pancreas and is not found in food.
Lipase supplements are usually derived from animal enzymes, although plant sources have become increasingly popular. Lipase may be taken in combination with protease and amylase enzymes. These pancreatic enzymes are available in tablet and capsule form.
How to Take It
DO NOT give lipase to children under the age of 12 unless they are under a doctor's supervision.
Speak with your physician regarding dosing instructions.
Side effects may include nausea and stomach upset. High doses of lipase may exacerbate symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Scientists do not know enough about the effects of lipase during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so speak with your doctor before taking lipase.
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use lipase without first talking to your doctor.
Orlistat: Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) interferes with the activity of lipase supplements. Orlistat is used to treat obesity by blocking lipase from breaking down fats so the body does not absorb them.
Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes, including papain, pepsin, betaine HCL, and hydrochloric acid, can destroy the lipase enzymes. Enteric-coated lipase enzyme products are protected against destruction by stomach acid.
Coffey MJ, Nightingale S, Ooi CY. Serum lipase as an early predictor of severity in pediatric acute pancreatitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2013;56(6):602-8.
Domínguez-Muñoz JE. Pancreatic enzyme therapy for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2007 Apr;9(2):116-22. Review.
Du J, Wang Z. Therapeutic potential of lipase inhibitor orlistat in Alzheimer's disease. Med Hypotheses. 2009;73(5):662-3.
Heck AM; Yanovski JA; Calis KA. Orlistat, a new lipase inhibitor for the management of obesity. Pharmacother. 2000 Mar;20(3):270-279.
Miksztowicz V, Lucero D, Zago V, et al. Hepatic lipase activity is increased in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease beyone insulin resistance. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2012;28(6):535-41.
Olivecrona G, Olivecrona T. Triglyceride lipases and atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2010;21(5):409-15.
Okada R, Okada A, Okada T, Okada T, Hamajima N. Elevated serum lipase levels in patients with dyspepsia of unknown cause in general practice. Med Princ Pract. 2009;18(2):130-6.
Petridou, A. and Mougios, V. Acute changes in triacylglycerol lipase activity of human adipose tissue during exercise. J Lipid Res. 2002;43(8):1331-1334.
Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Dec;13(4):307-14. Review.
Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
Xiao X, Mukherjee A, Ross L, Lowe M. Pancreatic lipase-related protien-2 (PLRP2) can contribute to dietary fat digestion in human newborns. J Biol Chem. 2011;286(30):26353-63.
Review Date: 6/22/2015
Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.