International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 1100
Food additives Europe numbers: E1100
An amylase is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. Amylase is present in the saliva of humans and some other mammals, where it begins the chemical process of digestion. Amylase also has medical applications in the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). It is one of the components in Sollpura (liprotamase) to help in the breakdown of saccharides into simple sugars.
Amylase is not a single medical substance, but rather an enzyme found in various bodily fluids, including:
- Saliva: Amylase in saliva helps initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) in food as soon as it enters the mouth. This initial digestion makes swallowing easier and prepares the food for further digestion in the stomach and intestines.
- Pancreas: The pancreas produces a significant amount of amylase, which is released into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct. This pancreatic amylase plays a crucial role in completing the digestion of carbohydrates into smaller molecules like glucose (simple sugar), which can then be absorbed by the body and used for energy.
Types of Amylase:
There are two main types of amylase:
- α-amylase (alpha-amylase): This is the primary type of amylase found in saliva and plays a key role in initiating carbohydrate breakdown in the mouth.
- β-amylase (beta-amylase): This type of amylase is mainly produced by the pancreas and is essential for further carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine.
Medical Significance:
Amylase levels in the blood and sometimes urine are measured as part of various medical tests to:
- Investigate potential pancreatic problems: An elevated level of amylase in the blood can be a sign of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or other pancreatic disorders. However, other factors can also affect amylase levels, so a single test result needs to be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings and investigations.
- Monitor digestive function: Amylase levels can be monitored alongside other digestive enzymes to assess overall digestive function in certain situations.
Important Considerations:
- Amylase is not a medication and cannot be used for treatment purposes.
- It is crucial to understand that amylase levels alone are not diagnostic of any specific medical condition and should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of other clinical findings and investigations.
- If you have any concerns about your health or digestive function, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.