Lipase (Fungal Lipase)
Also known as: fungal lipase, Rhizopus lipase, Candida rugosa lipase, triacylglycerol lipase
Lipase hydrolyzes dietary triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides so they can be absorbed. Supplement lipase is fermented from Rhizopus oryzae, Candida rugosa, or Aspergillus niger and, unlike pancreatic lipase, does not depend on a co-lipase, which lets it work across a wider pH range. It is included in digestive enzyme blends for comfort after fatty meals and in formulas positioned for people who have had gallbladder removal. The 2026 multi-enzyme crossover trial in healthy adults included lipase and reported changes in post-meal fatty acid concentrations. Activity is quoted in FIP units, not milligrams.
Research summary
Cleaves ester bonds in triglycerides; studied within multi-enzyme blends for effects on postprandial lipid availability.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 30–100 mg | — | — |
Dose is an activity target of about 500–2,000 FIP per serving; the 30–100 mg range assumes a common commercial potency and must be recalculated from the supplier's FIP per gram. Take at the start of meals that contain fat.
Standardization: Activity-standardized: 500–2,000 FIP per serving (FIP = Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique lipase units); supplier states FIP per gram
Source material: Rhizopus oryzae or Candida rugosa fermentation
As supplied: Manufacturers quote activity (FIP per gram), not mass; the mg figure is a placeholder until supplier potency is known.
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Heat- and moisture-sensitive; capsule, dry powder, or low-heat tablet only.
Formulation notes
Lipase can hydrolyze oil-based co-ingredients (fish oil, MCT) if formulated together in a moist or liquid matrix; keep separate. Sensitive to heat and humidity.
Sources
- Oral Multienzyme Supplementation Alters Postprandial Plasma Nutrient Concentrations after a Mixed Meal in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. (Deutz 2026)PubMed
- Food Chemicals Codex (USP) — enzyme activity unit definitionsReference
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database — digestive enzyme productsNIH DSLD
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