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Lipase is an enzyme that plays a key role in fat digestion, metabolism, and transport. It is found in multiple places in the body, including the liver and small intestine. (source)
Low serum lipase levels may arise from physiological factors affecting pancreatic function, as lipase is primarily produced by the pancreas. Nutritionally, a diet low in fats or inadequate intake of essential fatty acids can also contribute to reduced lipase levels. (source, source)
Prioritize lipase-rich foods: Consumption of digestive enzymes reduces symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort. (source) Intake of dietary fat may cause gastrointestinal discomfort when the body is unable to break down fat into an absorbable form. Eating lipase-rich foods aids in the breakdown of fat and has been shown to decrease symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort. (source, source) Recommendation: Consume at least one serving of lipase-rich foods daily.
One serving examples: Walnuts (1 oz), Papaya (diced) (1 cup), Pineapple (chunks) (1 cup), Avocado (1 medium Avocado)
Supplement with digestive enzymes: Digestive enzyme supplements taken before high-fat meals reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. (source) Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur when the body is unable to break down fat. Supplements containing digestive enzymes aid in fat digestion, and they have been shown to decrease symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with digestive enzymes that contain amylase, protease, and lipase with meals.
High serum lipase levels can often be linked to physiological factors affecting the pancreas, where lipase is primarily produced. The pancreas plays a key role in regulating lipase levels, and factors such as pancreatic inflammation or injury can lead to elevated levels. From a nutritional perspective, consuming a diet high in fat can also temporarily increase serum lipase levels. (source, source)
Limit intake of fatty foods: High-fat consumption has been shown to increase lipase. (source) Lipase plays a key role in the digestion of fats, so increased fat consumption stimulates the release of lipase. Recommendation: Monitor and limit excess fat intake.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol intake has been shown to increase lipase levels. (source) Alcohol metabolism in the pancreas produces compounds that alter pancreatic cell function, leading to elevated digestive enzymes like lipase. (source) Recommendation: Monitor alcohol intake. Try to limit consumption to one or two drinks daily, with the goal of less than three per week.
Maintain an athletic body composition: Lipase has been shown to be higher in heavier individuals. (source) Higher body fat increases levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in adipose tissue because LPL is responsible for breaking down triglycerides in the bloodstream. Additionally, increased body fat is often associated with increased blood glucose levels, which stimulates insulin production and lipoprotein lipase activity. (source) 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 milk thistle: Milk thistle has been shown to reduce pancreatic lipase activity. (source) Milk thistle contains a compound that acts as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of dietary fats by blocking enzymatic activity, thereby reducing lipase activity. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 420 mg of milk thistle daily.
