Lipase: MedlinePlus Supplements

T What is it?
P 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.
P Lipase is used for indigestion, heartburn, allergy to gluten in wheat products (celiac disease), Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis.

T How effective is it?
P Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
P The effectiveness ratings for LIPASE are as follows:
t Effective for...
- Digestion problems due to a disorder of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency) that is associated with cystic fibrosis.
t Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...
- Allergy to gluten in wheat products (celiac disease).
- Crohn's disease.
- Indigestion.
- Heartburn.
- Other conditions.
P More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lipase for these uses.

T How does it work?
P Lipase seems to work by breaking down fat into smaller pieces, making digestion easier.

T Are there safety concerns?
P Lipase seems to be safe for most people. It can cause some side effects such as nausea, cramping, and diarrhea.
t Special precautions & warnings:
P 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.
P Cystic fibrosis: High doses of lipase seem to make some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis worse.

T Are there interactions with medications?
P It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.
P Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

T Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?
P There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

T Are there interactions with foods?
P There are no known interactions with foods.

T What dose is used?
P The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
P 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.

T Other names
P Lipasa, Triacylglycerol Lipase.

T Methodology
P To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.

T References
- 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. View abstract.
- Owen G, Peters TJ, Dawson S, Goodchild MC. Pancreatic enzyme supplement dosage in cystic fibrosis. Lancet 1991;338:1153.
- 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. View abstract.
- 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. View abstract.
- 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. View abstract.
- 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. View abstract.
- Croft NM, Marshall TG, Ferguson A. Gut inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis on high-dose enzyme supplements. Lancet 1995;346:1265-7. View abstract.
- Lloyd-Still JD. Cystic fibrosis and colonic strictures. A new "iatrogenic" disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 1995;21:2-5. View abstract.

