What is Lipase?
Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in the digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
Why does it matter for long-term health and wellbeing?
Lipase helps your body digest fats. A blood lipase test is mainly used to check the health of the pancreas, because high levels can mean the pancreas is swollen and inflamed, as in pancreatitis.
What's an optimal level of Lipase?
The adult reference interval for lipase is 10 to 60 U/L.
- Reference Range Low: 10 U/L
- Reference Range High: 60 U/L
What influences Lipase levels?
Lipase rises when the pancreas is inflamed. Kidney disease, salivary gland inflammation, peptic ulcer disease and some medicines (including the contraceptive pill, statins, diuretics, codeine and morphine) can also raise it.
What does it mean if Lipase is outside the optimal range?
High lipase may mean the pancreas is inflamed. In acute pancreatitis it is often two to five times the upper limit. Low lipase can reflect lasting damage to the cells of the pancreas that make it, for example in cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. A result outside the range does not always mean something is wrong, so review it with your doctor.
How can I support healthy Lipase levels?
No specific diet or exercise plan is known to raise or lower lipase. If your result is high, your doctor will look for the cause, such as pancreatitis, kidney disease or a medicine.
References
- Pathology Tests Explained. Lipase. https://ptex.au/ptests.php?q=Lipase
- Ismail OZ, Bhayana V. Lipase or amylase for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis? Clinical Biochemistry. 2017;50(18):1275-1280.