Skip to content

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme found in many plants, animals, bacteria and molds. An enzyme is a protein that accelerates a specific chemical reaction in the body. Lipase is also used as a medicine. Lipase is used for digestive problems, heartburn, allergies to gluten in wheat products, Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.

How does lipase work?

Lipase appears to work by breaking down fats into smaller components that are easier to digest.

How effective is lipase?

Lipase appears to be effective for digestive problems due to pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of lipase for gluten intolerance, Crohn's disease, indigestion and heartburn. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of lipase in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Lipase appears to be safe and harmless for most people. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea, cramping and diarrhea.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of lipase during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lipase.

Cystic fibrosis: High doses of lipase appear to exacerbate some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of lipase with medications or supplements.

Dosage

The following doses have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

  • For digestive problems due to pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis: A typical dosage for adults is 4500 units of lipase per kilogram per day. For children, a typical starting dosage is 5100 units per kilogram per day. You should start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until benefits are felt. However, typical dosages should not be exceeded without medical advice.

References

  1. Croft NM, Marshall TG, Ferguson A. Gut inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis on high-dose enzyme supplements. Lancet 1995;346:1265-7.
  2. Lloyd-Still JD. Cystic fibrosis and colonic strictures. A new "iatrogenic" disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 1995;21:2-5.
  3. Owen G, Peters TJ, Dawson S, Goodchild MC. Pancreatic enzyme supplement dosage in cystic fibrosis. Lancet 1991;338:1153.
  4. Smyth RL, Ashby D, O'Hea U, et al. Fibrosing colonopathy in cystic fibrosis: results of a case-control study. Lancet 1995;346:1247-51.
  5. Smyth RL, van Velzen D, Smyth AR, et al. Strictures of ascending colon in cystic fibrosis and high-strength pancreatic enzymes. Lancet 1994;343:85-6.
  6. Stern RC, Eisenberg JD, Wagener JS, et al. A comparison of the efficacy and tolerance of pancrelipase and placebo in the treatment of steatorrhea in cystic fibrosis patients with clinical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1932-8.
  7. Thomson M, Clague A, Cleghorn GJ, Shepherd RW. Comparative in vitro and in vivo studies of enteric-coated pancrelipase preparations for pancreatic insufficiency. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1993;17:407-13.
  8. Tursi JM, Phair PG, Barnes GL. Plant sources of acid stable lipases: potential therapy for cystic fibrosis. J Paediatr Child Health 1994;30:539-43.