Normal amylase and lipase levels
Categories: HEALTH
What are Normal amylase and lipase levels?
The body makes proteins called enzymes to carry out specific tasks. To convert the complex carbohydrates in diet into simple sugars, the pancreas makes amylase. To break down fats into fatty acids, the pancreas produces lipase. The small intestine can then absorb sugars and fatty acids.
A glandular organ, the pancreas generates digestive secretions that pass into the small intestine and is located behind the stomach. Along with a large number of other enzymes, the pancreas also makes amylase and lipase. Your body uses amylase to break down starches. Your body uses lipase to aid with fat digestion. High levels of amylase and lipase are frequently caused by pancreas inflammation, also known as pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis can be identified with testing for amylase and lipase. These enzymes' circulation in your blood is measured by the tests. When you exhibit signs of acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic condition and your doctor wants to make sure the diagnosis, these enzymes are often tested. Saliva and the stomach both contain some amylase and lipase.
Depending on the laboratory and the precise reference range being used, normal amylase and lipase levels can change slightly.
However, the typical ranges for these enzymes are listed here:
Amylase:
Serum amylase: 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L)
Urine amylase: 10 to 124 U/L
Lipase:
Serum lipase: 0 to 160 U/L
A normal blood amylase level in a typical person is between 23 to 85 units per litre (U/L), while some labs have ranges as high as 140 U/L. Where the labs are processed determines the ranges for these levels. Depending on the lab, a normal lipase level might be anywhere from 0 and 160 U/L.
These digestive enzymes are present in the blood at higher than usual levels when the pancreas is compromised. Results for amylase or lipase that are more than three times the usual levels are probably indicative of pancreatitis or pancreatic injury.
Rarely, though, the pancreas can sustain serious injury without having elevated amylase or lipase levels. The most typical symptom in these situations is stomach pain. Amylase or lipase levels may also be normal in the early stages of pancreatic injury.
It's crucial to remember that these ranges are only intended to serve as a broad guide, and specific laboratories may have somewhat different reference values. Additionally, as elevated or lowered levels of amylase and lipase can have a variety of consequences depending on the situation, the results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and symptoms. A healthcare provider can assess your results in reference to your general health if you have particular questions regarding your amylase and lipase levels.