The lipase enzyme functions to break down fatty substances in food to make it easier to digest and absorb by the body. This enzyme is generally produced when the body gets fat intake. However,Sometimes the body can't make enough lipase enzymes, causing indigestion.
Lipase is a type of digestive enzyme. Most lipase enzymes are produced in the pancreas, but they are also produced in other organs, such as the stomach and liver. Lipase is also produced in the mouth, adipose tissue, and the walls of blood vessels.
The lipase enzyme is responsible for breaking down fats and triglycerides into smaller molecules, namely fatty acids and glycerol. This enzyme also plays a role in helping some cholesterol-lowering drugs work.
Diseases that Cause Lipase Enzyme Deficiency
Normal lipase enzyme levels in the adult body range from 0-160 U/L. Under normal conditions, the lipase enzyme will be produced in sufficient quantities to digest fat. However, when the pancreas is damaged or impaired, the amount of lipase enzyme produced can be less or even excessive.
There are several diseases that can cause a lipase enzyme deficiency in the body, namely:
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The exact cause of this disease is not known, but it is thought to be related to heredity, unhealthy eating patterns, severe stress, to abnormalities in the immune system.
This disease can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, and malnutrition.
Cystic fibrosis
This disease causes the mucus in the body to become thick and sticky. This mucus can block the pancreatic ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from moving into the intestines. As a result, the body becomes difficult to absorb nutrients from food.
Symptoms that appear in this disease vary, depending on which organs are affected. If it attacks the digestive tract, cystic fibrosis can cause symptoms in the form of chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, oily stools, abdominal pain, to weight loss.
celiac disease
This disease causes a disturbance in the immune system, so the sufferer cannot eat gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains, such as wheat and barley (barley).
When people with celiac disease eat foods or drinks that contain gluten, their immune system overreacts. This will then cause inflammation and damage in the damaged gastrointestinal tract.
People with celiac disease will experience several symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, muscle aches, weakness, or constipation, after consuming gluten.
Sufficient Lipase Enzyme Needs
If your body can't produce enough lipase or other digestive enzymes, your doctor will prescribe enzyme supplements to replace the missing enzymes.
Although generally quite safe for consumption, lipase enzyme supplements can cause side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. This supplement is also not recommended to be taken by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
The use of lipase enzyme supplements in high doses needs to be monitored, because it can actually worsen symptoms cystic fibrosis. Lipase supplements can also cause drug interactions if taken together with orlistat.
To find out whether the amount of lipase enzyme in the body is sufficient, an examination is needed by a doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam and blood tests to measure levels of lipase and other digestive enzymes.