Your Nutrients

Lipase is an enzyme that is used by the body to break down dietary fats into an absorbable form.

Most of the body’s lipase is manufactured in the pancreas, although some of it is secreted in the saliva, as well. Pancreatin contains lipase along with two other groups of enzymes: proteases and amylase.

People with pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis frequently require supplemental lipase and other enzymes. In addition, those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease and perhaps some people suffering from indigestion may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes including lipase.

Cystic fibrosis Indigestion (for pancreatic insufficiency only) Celiac disease Crohn’s disease

Lipase does not generally cause any side effects at the amounts listed above. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lipase.

Products that contain lipase also usually contain other enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and protein. In the U.S., pancreatin, which contains lipase, amylase, and proteases, is rated against a government standard. For example, “9X pancreatin” is nine times stronger than the government standard. Each “X” contains 25 USP units of amylase, 2 USP units of lipase, and 25 USP units of proteolytic enzymes. Taking 1.5 grams of 9X pancreatin (or a higher amount at lower potencies) with each meal can help people with pancreatic insufficiency digest food.

Lipase is an enzyme that is used by the body to break down dietary fats into an absorbable form.

Most of the body’s lipase is manufactured in the pancreas, although some of it is secreted in the saliva, as well. Pancreatin contains lipase along with two other groups of enzymes: proteases and amylase.

People with pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis frequently require supplemental lipase and other enzymes. In addition, those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease and perhaps some people suffering from indigestion may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes including lipase.

Cystic fibrosis Indigestion (for pancreatic insufficiency only) Celiac disease Crohn’s disease

Lipase does not generally cause any side effects at the amounts listed above. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lipase.

Products that contain lipase also usually contain other enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and protein. In the U.S., pancreatin, which contains lipase, amylase, and proteases, is rated against a government standard. For example, “9X pancreatin” is nine times stronger than the government standard. Each “X” contains 25 USP units of amylase, 2 USP units of lipase, and 25 USP units of proteolytic enzymes. Taking 1.5 grams of 9X pancreatin (or a higher amount at lower potencies) with each meal can help people with pancreatic insufficiency digest food.