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Lipase

Other Name(s):

Lipasa, Triacylglycerol Lipase.

Overview

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that is found in many plants, animals, bacteria, and molds. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up a particular biochemical reaction in the body. People use lipase as a medicine.

Lipase is used for indigestion, heartburn, allergy to gluten in wheat products (celiac disease), Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis.

How does it work?

Lipase seems to work by breaking down fat into smaller pieces, making digestion easier.

Uses & Effectiveness

Effective for...

  • Digestion problems due to a disorder of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency) that is associated with cystic fibrosis.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Allergy to gluten in wheat products (celiac disease).
  • Crohn's disease.
  • Indigestion.
  • Heartburn.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lipase for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Lipase seems to be safe for most people. It can cause some side effects such as nausea, cramping, and diarrhea.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of lipase during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Cystic fibrosis: High doses of lipase seem to make some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis worse.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For digestion problems due to a disorder of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency) that is associated with cystic fibrosis: A typical dose for adults is 4500 units per kilogram of lipase per day. For children, a typical dose is 5100 units per kilogram per day. Start with a low dose and gradually increase until there is a benefit, but don't take more than the typical dose without checking with your healthcare provider.