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Amylase is a pancreatic digestive enzyme that is also found at low levels throughout the body. Primarily, amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. (source)
Low blood amylase levels may result from physiological factors affecting the pancreas as well as metabolic and endocrinological issues. Nutritionally, alcohol intake and inadequate intake of carbohydrates, which stimulate amylase production, can contribute to lower levels. (source, source)
Maintain a calorically optimized diet: Body fat has been shown to be negatively associated with serum amylase concentrations. (source) Increased body fat is associated with an increase in free fatty acids which have been suggested to negatively affect a feedback loop in pancreatic cells. Further, additional research has suggested that insulin activity complications, often associated with higher body fat percentages, elicit negative effects on amylase levels. (source) A calorically optimized diet can help control body fat and its negative effects on serum amylase. Recommendation: Monitor caloric intake to ensure optimal energy balance.
Maintain an athletic body composition: Body fat is negatively associated with serum amylase concentrations. (source) Increased body fat is associated with an increase in free fatty acids which have been suggested to negatively affect a feedback loop in pancreatic cells. Further, additional research has suggested that insulin activity complications, often associated with higher body fat percentages, elicit negative effects on amylase levels. (source) A calorically optimized diet and exercise routine can help control body fat and its negative effects on serum amylase. Recommendation: Maintain a high-performance diet and exercise program that supports a body composition of no more than 15% body fat for men and 20% for women.
Supplement with digestive enzymes: Serum amylase is a marker of pancreatic health. Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme that supports the digestion of carbohydrates. Supplementing with digestive enzymes aids the pancreas in its digestive functions. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with digestive enzymes that contain amylase, protease, and lipase with meals.
High blood amylase levels can often be linked to physiological factors affecting the pancreas and other areas of the digestive system like the small intestine. Nutritionally, consuming foods high in carbohydrates can elevate amylase levels temporarily due to increased demand for digestive enzymes. (source, source, source)
Limit intake of fatty foods: A low-fat diet has been shown to reduce amylase concentrations. (source) Fatty foods trigger the release of cholecystokinin, a peptide that stimulates pancreatic amylase production. (source) Recommendation: Monitor and limit excess fat intake.
Avoid smoking: Chronic smoking habits are associated with elevated serum amylase. (source) Smoking has been shown to increase pancreatic sensitivity to secretin, a hormone regulating amylase release. (source, source) Recommendation: If a smoker, take the steps to quit. If not, avoid areas where secondhand smoke is present.
Supplement with vitamin D: Research concerning the direct effects of supplementation on amylase is scarce. Nonetheless, several ingredients may help pancreatic health. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with suboptimal pancreatic health. (source) Vitamin D supports pancreatic health and function. (source) Pancreatic health results in normalized amylase concentrations. Recommendation: Supplement with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily during the spring, summer, and fall months. Increase supplementation to at least 4,000 IU during the winter months.
Supplement with curcumin: Curcumin supplementation has been shown to lower amylase measures. (source) Curcumin reduces the release of inflammatory compounds that negatively affect pancreatic function and increase serum amylase concentrations. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 1 g of curcumin daily.
