A pancreatic-type enzyme that hydrolyzes dietary fats and oils into absorbable fatty acids and glycerol.
What it is
Lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase) is an esterase enzyme that hydrolyzes ester bonds in dietary triglycerides, converting neutral fats into free fatty acids, monoglycerides, and glycerol. In nutritional formulations, supplemental lipase is typically isolated from fungal fermentations (such as Rhizopus oryzae or Aspergillus niger). Fungal lipases retain activity over a broad pH range (3.0 to 8.0), enabling lipid digestion to commence in the stomach prior to pancreatic secretion.
Also known as: Digestive Lipase
What it does
- Hydrolyzes long-chain and medium-chain triglycerides into absorbable monoglycerides and free fatty acids.
- Enhances the bioaccessibility and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
- Relieves postprandial nausea, greasy stools, and fullness associated with high-fat meals.
Amplified by probiotics
Digestive lipase breaks down dietary fats into fatty acids and monoglycerides, facilitating efficient micelle formation in the intestinal lumen. Live probiotic strains interact directly with this process by regulating bile acid metabolism through bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymatic activity. By deconjugating primary bile salts, probiotics influence micelle dissolution and fat absorption dynamics. Concurrently, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) generated by probiotic fermentation enhance enterocyte mucosal blood flow and upregulate fatty acid transport proteins. This cooperative interaction reduces unabsorbed fat accumulation in the distal colon, preventing lipid-induced dysbiosis and supporting mucosal barrier integrity.
Typical dose
500–5,000 FIP/day
The evidence
Evidence: strongHuman clinical trials confirm that supplemental lipase improves lipid absorption, reduces steatorrhea, and alleviates postprandial fullness in individuals with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or functional indigestion (Layer et al. 2001, Aliment Pharmacol Ther; Domínguez-Muñoz 2011, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol).
Safety & who should check first
Well-tolerated at clinical dosages; works locally within the GI lumen without systemic absorption. High doses may occasionally cause mild abdominal cramping or altered bowel habits.