From the Guidelines
Amylase is a crucial enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, playing a vital role in the digestion process. The digestion process begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase starts breaking down starches as you chew, and continues in the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase further breaks down these carbohydrates into maltose and other small sugar molecules 1. This breakdown is essential because our bodies cannot absorb complex carbohydrates directly; they must first be converted into simple sugars like glucose that can enter the bloodstream and provide energy to cells. Some key points about amylase include:
- It is involved in the initial stages of carbohydrate digestion
- Its levels can be measured in blood to help diagnose pancreatic disorders, such as acute pancreatitis, as elevated levels may indicate inflammation or damage to the pancreas 1
- Proper digestion of starches from foods like bread, potatoes, and rice relies on sufficient amylase, and without it, digestive discomfort may occur. In the context of acute pancreatitis, elevated serum amylase levels are one of the diagnostic criteria, along with abdominal pain and characteristic findings from abdominal imaging 1.
From the Research
Function of Amylase
- Amylase is an enzyme that digests starch into smaller molecules, ultimately yielding maltose, which is then cleaved into two glucose molecules by maltase 2.
- The primary function of amylase is to break down carbohydrates, such as starch, into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the body.
- Amylase is produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, with the pancreas producing the majority of the enzyme 2.
Role of Amylase in Digestion
- Salivary amylase plays a role in the digestion of starch in the mouth, breaking it down into smaller molecules before it is swallowed 2.
- Pancreatic amylase is released into the small intestine, where it continues to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the body.
- Amylase is an important enzyme in the digestion of carbohydrates and is necessary for the proper absorption of nutrients from food.
Clinical Significance of Amylase
- Elevated levels of amylase in the blood can be an indicator of pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Amylase levels can also be used to diagnose other conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes 3.
- The measurement of amylase levels in the blood can be used to assess the function of the pancreas and to diagnose certain diseases.