Effect of Lipase Ingestion on Blood Lipid Levels. ∗

Summary

Supplements of lipase were given with test fat meals to human subjects and dogs to determine the effect on blood lipid levels. Optical densities and hence lipid levels of the blood plasmas were lowered in all subjects when sufficient lipase was ingested. EFA and triglyceride determinations confirmed this measurement of the decrease in blood lipid levels. Human subjects with lower fasting OD values and EFA levels appeared to require more lipase to obtain this effect. Blood cholesterol values of normal subjects were not affected, nor was that of an hyperlinemic subject during a 4-week test period. The lowered blood lipid levels after lipase in-gestion may be accounted for in part by an effect on rate of fat absorption. The lowered levels appear to be the result of extension of the absorptive period over a longer time interval. In all the human subjects, serum lipase values were elevated when blood lipid levels were lowered. The association of elevated blood lipase levels with decreased blood lipids suggests the possibility of some lipo-lytic action in the blood.