What It Measures
This test measures the level of amylase enzyme in the blood. Amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates (starches) during digestion. Most circulating amylase comes from the pancreas (P-amylase) and salivary glands (S-amylase), so blood levels reflect the functional status of these organs.
Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands that breaks down starches and complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. It is a key marker for pancreatic health, and abnormal levels can indicate acute or chronic pancreatitis, salivary gland disorders, or other gastrointestinal conditions.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated amylase levels (hyperamylasemia) most commonly indicate acute pancreatitis, where levels can rise 3-10x the upper limit within hours of onset. Other causes include chronic pancreatitis flares, pancreatic duct obstruction, salivary gland inflammation (mumps, sialadenitis), bowel obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, diabetic ketoacidosis, ectopic pregnancy, macroamylasemia, and certain medications (opioids, thiazide diuretics). Renal impairment can also cause elevated levels due to decreased clearance.
Possible Symptoms
Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, abdominal tenderness and swelling, jaundice, greasy or foul-smelling stools, loss of appetite, facial or jaw swelling (if salivary origin).
What Low Means
Low amylase levels may indicate chronic pancreatic damage with loss of acinar cell function (burned-out chronic pancreatitis), pancreatic insufficiency, advanced cystic fibrosis, severe liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxemia of pregnancy), or prior pancreatectomy. Persistently low levels suggest the pancreas has lost significant capacity to produce digestive enzymes, potentially leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
Possible Symptoms
Bloating, gas, indigestion after eating starchy foods, greasy or pale stools (steatorrhea), unintentional weight loss, malnutrition, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K), abdominal discomfort after meals.
Risk Factors
Acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gallstones, alcohol use disorder, salivary gland disorders (mumps, Sjögren's syndrome), celiac disease, bowel obstruction, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, cystic fibrosis, eating disorders (bulimia), ectopic pregnancy, macroamylasemia.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Digestive enzyme complex (with amylase)
- •Pancreatin
- •Bromelain
- •Probiotics
- •Zinc
- •Vitamin D
- •Magnesium
- •N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- •Curcumin (turmeric extract)
- •Omega-3 fatty acids
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Limit alcohol consumption — alcohol is the leading modifiable cause of pancreatitis
- •Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pancreatic workload
- •Chew food thoroughly to enhance salivary amylase contribution
- •Maintain a low-fat diet if pancreatic insufficiency is present
- •Stay well-hydrated to support digestive enzyme function
- •Avoid smoking — it increases pancreatitis risk and impairs pancreatic function
- •Manage blood sugar and triglycerides — both affect pancreatic health
- •Consider digestive enzyme supplementation with meals if levels are persistently low
- •Reduce processed food and refined sugar intake
- •Manage stress — chronic stress can impair digestive enzyme secretion
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Amylase results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | 57 U/L | — |