What It Measures
This test measures the amount of lipase enzyme circulating in the blood. While small amounts are normal, elevated levels typically indicate pancreatic inflammation or damage, as the enzyme leaks from injured pancreatic cells into the bloodstream.
Lipase is a digestive enzyme primarily produced by the pancreas that breaks down dietary fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol. Serum lipase levels are a key diagnostic marker for pancreatic disorders, particularly acute pancreatitis, and are considered more specific to pancreatic function than amylase.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated lipase levels most commonly indicate acute pancreatitis (typically >3x the upper limit of normal). Other causes include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer, cholecystitis, bowel obstruction, celiac disease, kidney disease (reduced clearance), and certain medications (e.g., opioids, thiazide diuretics, steroids). Markedly elevated levels (>5x normal) are highly suggestive of acute pancreatitis.
Possible Symptoms
Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting, abdominal tenderness, fever, rapid pulse, oily or fatty stools (steatorrhea), bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice (if bile duct involvement).
What Low Means
Low lipase levels are uncommon but may indicate permanent damage to lipase-producing pancreatic cells (as seen in chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic insufficiency), cystic fibrosis, or may be seen after pancreatectomy. Persistently low levels can lead to fat malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Low lipase can also be associated with high triglyceride levels due to impaired fat metabolism.
Possible Symptoms
Fat malabsorption, steatorrhea (pale, bulky, foul-smelling stools), unintentional weight loss, bloating and gas after fatty meals, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K), fatigue, muscle weakness, easy bruising (vitamin K deficiency).
Risk Factors
Acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, gallstones, alcohol use disorder, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic duct obstruction, cholecystitis, bowel obstruction, kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, post-ERCP complications.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Pancreatic enzyme replacement (pancrelipase)
- •Omega-3 fatty acids
- •Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil
- •Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- •Probiotics
- •Curcumin/Turmeric
- •Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium)
- •Digestive bitters
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Limit alcohol consumption — alcohol is a leading cause of pancreatitis
- •Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pancreatic workload
- •Follow a low-fat diet during acute episodes; gradually reintroduce healthy fats
- •Stay well-hydrated to support digestive function
- •Avoid smoking — it increases pancreatitis risk and accelerates chronic pancreatic damage
- •Maintain a healthy weight — obesity increases gallstone risk, a major pancreatitis trigger
- •Limit processed and fried foods high in unhealthy fats
- •Manage triglyceride levels through diet, exercise, and medication if needed
- •Exercise regularly (150+ min/week moderate activity) to support metabolic health
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Lipase results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | 26 U/L | — |