Description

Functions​

• Digestion of Dietary Fats: Lipase’s main function is to hydrolyze triglycerides, the primary form of dietary fat, into fatty acids and glycerol. This breakdown occurs in the small intestine, where lipase acts on emulsified fats, making them more accessible for absorption by intestinal cells. Proper fat digestion is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and maintaining overall nutritional balance.​
• Therapeutic Use: In individuals with pancreatic insufficiency, such as those with cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis, lipase supplements are prescribed. These supplements help compensate for the reduced production of lipase by the pancreas, ensuring that dietary fats can be digested properly and preventing malabsorption and associated symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss.​

Applications​

• Digestive Supplements: Widely available as over-the-counter digestive aids, lipase supplements are used by individuals experiencing digestive discomfort related to poor fat digestion. They help alleviate symptoms such as gas, bloating, and indigestion, especially after consuming high-fat meals.​
• Industrial Use: In the food industry, lipase is used for cheese production to enhance flavor development, in the processing of edible oils to modify their properties, and in the production of biodiesel by catalyzing the transesterification of fats and oils. In detergents, lipase enzymes help break down grease stains, improving the cleaning efficiency of laundry products.