Why can amylase in the blood be low and how to increase it?

What is alpha amylase

The term itself comes from the ancient Greek “μυλον” - “starch”. Its purpose in the human body is to convert starch into oligosaccharides during the digestion of carbohydrate components of food. The enzyme was the first substance studied in digestion when Professor Anselm Payen presented a description of diastase in 1833.

This is a combination of elements to break down starch into maltose. Under the influence of alpha amylase, a sweet taste appears during prolonged chewing of starchy foods. The pancreas itself is 90% composed of acinar tissue, which secretes pancreatic juice. It contains amylase, lipase and proteolytic enzymes in non-activated form.

Amylase is designed to break down carbohydrates. Lipase is a water-soluble enzyme for the hydrolysis of water-insoluble fats and lipid substrates.

Pancreatic juice enters the central duct and then, mixed with bile, is concentrated in the hepatic-pancreatic capsule. The sphincter of Oddi is responsible for releasing the resulting fluid into the duodenum. In a healthy state, pancreatic proteases are activated in the small intestine. Then their action begins in the human gastrointestinal tract.

But after physical damage, when the ducts are blocked or after drinking alcohol, the tissues become injured, become inflamed and swell. The septa of the acinar areas become too permeable.

As a result, pancreatic substances penetrate the vascular wall and mix with the blood, thereby deforming the pancreas itself. This condition is dangerous to health. It is unacceptable to ignore the signs of illness. It is necessary to contact specialists dealing with problems of the gastrointestinal tract as soon as possible.

Norms

Normal values ​​do not depend on a person’s gender and reach stable values ​​by the age of 2 years.

Alpha amylase increases in the blood upon reaching menopause due to significant changes in hormonal levels. The condition is not pathological and does not require correction.

Demotion

The normal level of amylase in a person’s blood can not only increase, as a sign of disease, but also decrease. If the alpha enzyme level is low, then this also requires attention. In this case, a negative result is not a good sign. Blood biochemistry analysis gives this result in case of liver damage, insufficient pancreatic function, pancreatic necrosis, after surgery, as a result of injuries and falls.

Also, a level less than normal may indicate the presence of a disease such as cystic fibrosis. These are diseases that are hereditary in nature and manifest themselves as malfunctions of the exocrine glands.

High performance

Alpha amylase is elevated in the blood: the causes of this condition can be caused by systemic diseases and pathologies of internal organs:

• pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas tissue, in which the indicators increase significantly;
• diabetes mellitus – a violation of the digestion of carbohydrates, amylase is not consumed properly and gradually accumulates;
• mumps, or mumps , leads to a pronounced inflammatory process of the salivary glands, one of the functions of which is the secretion of alpha amylase;
• renal failure - enzymes are secreted by the kidneys along with secreted urine; with kidney dysfunction, the amylase content increases.

Symptoms include epigastric pain, often immediately after eating. There is general malaise, weakness, and loose stools. Pain associated with disorders of the pancreas is pronounced. With an increased level of digestive substances, organ tissues are gradually destroyed. Pancreatitis develops.

In advanced stages of the disease, pancreatic necrosis may develop - the gradual death of pancreatic tissue.

The condition is considered fatal and therefore requires immediate treatment. After the first episode of pancreatitis, you should be careful in your food choices. And when consuming fatty or difficult-to-digest foods, take enzymes to prevent exacerbations of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Low performance

Alpha amylase is elevated in the blood: the causes of this condition in children are due to the fact that breast milk does not contain carbohydrates that require breakdown. Therefore, low scores are the norm. However, both elevated values ​​of alpha amylase and insufficient levels in an adult require a more in-depth examination.

Reasons for low performance:

• hepatitis is a pathology of the liver in which its functions are impaired, abnormal absorption of nutrients and carbohydrates;
• neoplasms in the pancreas cause degeneration of its tissues and disruption of enzyme production.

The condition is also observed with intestinal obstruction and inflammation of appendicitis. These pathologies require emergency surgical intervention to save the patient’s life. The danger of inflammation of appendicitis is primarily associated with the likelihood of its rupture and contents entering the abdominal cavity. Against this background, the development of peritonitis is possible.

To restore the victim's health, serious interventions are required to flush the intestines and take powerful antibiotics. And the incision on the abdomen itself is accompanied by the need to dissect the muscle layer.

You shouldn't expect a full recovery after this. Plus an unpleasant cosmetic defect in the form of a rough scar on the abdomen, which can only be reduced by very expensive and long-term therapy with special gels such as Contractubex.

Consequences

Pronounced upward changes in indicators will lead over time to damage to the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and liver. A significant deterioration in the patient’s well-being will indicate a severe degree of organ deformation.

To restore functional activity, medications for the liver and gastrointestinal tract based on PUFAs, essential phospholipids, pancreatin and other biologically active substances will be required. Sharply reduced levels will be accompanied by inadequate digestion of carbohydrates, insufficient levels of glucose in the blood plasma, and a deficiency of energy and calories.

Therefore, it is very important to find out the exact cause of low alpha amylase levels. Modern equipment in clinics makes it possible to objectively assess the functions of all body systems. An experienced doctor, based on the data obtained, will be able to determine the cause and prescribe the optimal treatment.

Why do amylase levels in the blood increase?

The amylase enzyme is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands, in the liver and kidneys, as well as in the mammary glands of pregnant women. It actively participates in the process of food digestion, breaking down carbohydrates of starchy foods. Amylase is excreted from the body in the urine. The enzyme plays an important role, and therefore it does not hurt to monitor the normal level of its content in the blood and urine!

There are several types of amylase present in the body - alpha, beta and gamma. The most important indicator of how well the gastrointestinal tract is functioning is alpha-amylase. An enzyme test is often prescribed by doctors to detect diseases of the stomach, pancreas and salivary glands.

Alpha-amylase levels are measured through a blood chemistry test. A doctor orders a test to diagnose pancreatitis or identify the cause of abdominal pain. To get an accurate result, venous blood is taken - in the morning, on an empty stomach.

It turned out that blood amylase is higher than the normative value? There are many reasons for this.

What is the normal level of amylase in the blood?

There are strict standards for the content of alpha-amylase, at which the digestive system functions without “failures”. Based on the results of the analysis, you will receive a form containing regulatory readings. When assessing the results, doctors are guided by the following standards:

1. Children under 2 years old – 5-65 U/l.
2. Adults – 25-100 U/l.
3. Adults over 70 years old – 20-160 U/l.

Despite the fact that the biochemical processes occurring in the body of a woman and a man are different, experts did not find any significant differences in amylase activity. Therefore, normative data apply to both sexes.

For some reasons, alpha-amylase may be slightly increased (by 1-2 units) - then we are not talking about pathology. You should worry when you receive an analysis where the indicator is 2-3 times higher!

An increased level of enzyme in the blood makes itself felt by causeless pain in the abdominal area. And the doctor, in order to identify the cause, necessarily prescribes an alpha-amylase test along with other studies.

Blood amylase should not be greatly elevated. If you get bad tests, consult a doctor!

When are tests ordered?

The reason for examining the body will be pain in the stomach, liver, stool disorders and general weakness of a person, in which appetite disappears, weight loss occurs and digestive disorders occur. For a complete picture, the content of alpha amylase in both urine and blood is determined.

Biomaterial for research is collected from a vein. Capillary blood will not give the correct result. After the initial sampling, monitoring will be required to monitor the body’s response to the medications taken. The frequency of these procedures will be determined by your attending physician.

And only after complete normalization of the indicators can the examinations be stopped. To prevent relapse and for the timely detection of other serious diseases, it is recommended to take biomaterials for a full range of biochemical indicators at least once a year.

Amylase in adult men and women is normal

The amount of enzyme contained in the blood is small. 60% of the substance consists of salivary amylase, 40% of pancreatic amylase.

In the process of biochemical blood analysis, two indicators are determined:

• Alpha amylase is the total amount of enzyme.
• Pancreatic amylase.

The study is carried out using an enzymatic colorimetric method. The amylase content is determined in U/l - units per liter of blood.

Biochemical processes in female and male bodies are different. Despite this, the amylase level is the same for both sexes. It amounts to:

For almost the entire adult life, the normative amount of alpha-amylase remains unchanged. At advanced age, the lower limit decreases slightly, and the upper limit increases. The optimal interval itself is expanding.

The average levels of amylase in the blood have a wide range, which is explained by the individual characteristics of each individual person.

The amount of pancreatic amylase increases after the age of eighteen and then remains unchanged.

How to prepare for analysis

The biochemical result of a blood test gives a complete picture of a person’s condition and health. An indicator such as alpha amylase increases in the blood for a number of reasons related to the functional activity of the pancreas. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. Therefore, eating breakfast and drinking sweetened drinks on the appointed day is prohibited.

The day before the test, you should not eat fatty, spicy foods high in carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, sweets and sugar). It is recommended to limit the consumption of coffee, tea and soda. On the eve of the analysis, stressful situations and physical overexertion should be avoided.

It is also undesirable to drink a lot, so as not to cause dilution of the blood with liquid and provoke excessive excretion of alpha amylase in the urine. In order not to become overtired before collecting biomaterials, it is better to choose a taxi instead of public transport if you do not have a personal car.

How is the analysis carried out?

Blood is drawn using a volumetric syringe from a vein in the elbow area. Before taking the biomaterial, you should actively work with the brush to activate blood circulation and fill the vein itself. During the fence, the fist must be clenched.

Immediately after removing the needle, you need to firmly press the injection area with an alcohol swab, bend your arm at the elbow and remain in this position for at least 5 minutes.

The last recommendation is due to the fact that needles for collecting biomaterials are used thicker than for intravenous drips. Therefore, blood is released longer and more abundantly from the vein into the surrounding tissues. Neglecting this condition will lead to the formation of an extensive bruise and its prolonged resorption.

If it was not possible to avoid bruising, you can use ointments like Finalgon with red pepper extract. The well-known Vietnamese star is also good at eliminating bruises. The essential oils in its composition penetrate the human skin, increase blood circulation, cool and soothe the skin.

How to normalize an indicator

Alpha amylase is elevated in the blood: the causes of this condition can be eliminated with the help of medications. Among the special drugs there are Kontrikal and Gordox. Contrical is a polypeptide obtained from the lung tissue of cattle. The substance disables the kallikrein-kinin system. Reduces the overall proteolytic activity of enzymes.

Available in the form of a lyophilisate for mixing a solution for intravenous administration. 1 package contains 10 bottles with lyophilisate and 10 ampoules with solvent.

Gordox is a drug based on aprotinin. The substance also inhibits proteolytic activity. Leads to the formation of reversible stoichiometric complexes to block the activity of tissue and plasma kallikrein, plasmin and trypsin.

It is used in surgical practice to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. 1 ampoule contains 100,000 KIU of aprotinin. Available in packs of 5 or 25 pcs.

If there is no access to professional help for the administration of drugs, you can limit yourself to taking digestive enzymes based on pancreatin - Mezim, Creon and others. Compensating the activity of the pancreas will give it the opportunity to recover independently. The medications are taken strictly with meals.

During the course of treatment, regular monitoring of blood dynamics will be required. The frequency of collection of biomaterials will be determined by a gastroenterologist after treatment. And the most important rule is complete abstinence from drinking alcohol. Ethanol is a powerful toxic agent for the pancreas.

The strongest negative effects are observed when consumed on an empty stomach, in large volumes and on a regular basis. During acute pancreatitis, the pain is very intense, and eating food causes even greater severity. For initial relief of the patient’s condition, it is permissible to take enzymes regardless of food intake.

After the onset of relief, you should gradually begin to eat light foods without fiber and fat: porridge, fermented milk products and grated cottage cheese, lean meat or boiled chicken. Then you can introduce regular white bread. And be sure to continue taking enzymes. A smooth approach will allow you to quickly relieve the exacerbation and restore the functions of the pancreas to its full extent.

How to lower amylase in the blood

To reduce amylase in the blood, it is necessary to identify the cause of the increase in concentration. This can only be done by a doctor after conducting appropriate research. Based on them, he makes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy. After a course of treatment, amylase decreases to an acceptable level.

Following a special diet will help speed up the decrease in enzyme concentration:

• exclusion from the diet of fatty, fried, spicy and smoked foods;
• refusal to drink alcoholic beverages, drink flour and black coffee;
• the preferred methods of cooking are steaming or baking;
• limiting the consumption of protein foods and foods containing fiber;
• cannot starve or pass;
• It is recommended to eat food in small portions 5-6 times a day.

The following measures will also help speed up the normalization of amylase in the blood:

• compliance with bed rest;
• avoiding excessive physical activity;
• a full night's rest, the duration of which should be at least 8 hours;
• giving up harmful addictions.

These are secondary measures to stabilize amylase levels. The main thing is to eliminate the cause of the increase in its concentration. To do this, it is recommended to adhere to the course of therapy prescribed by the doctor.

Treatment is usually based on medication. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the doctor. Any independent treatment or change in course may have undesirable consequences for the patient.

Changes in alpha amylase levels in children

The pancreas in children, like other internal organs, does not function actively enough. Over the years, it matures and digestion normalizes. A provoking factor is the consumption of excessive amounts of sweets, carbonated drinks, a tendency to snack or long breaks between meals.

To prevent or get rid of existing disorders in the pancreas, you should follow your food intake, eliminate everything harmful and avoid snacking. The menu must include soups based on meat, vegetables and grains. Mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces should be completely avoided, especially if negative pancreatic symptoms have already been noted.

Alpha amylase is elevated in the blood: the causes can be eliminated by following simple rules. In order to reduce the load on the child’s digestive tract, it is recommended to grind food to a puree using a blender or a special kitchen crush.

A small child should be fed with a teaspoon; older children should be reminded to chew their food thoroughly, moistening it generously with saliva. To normalize health, you should not overfeed your child. Small meals throughout the day will improve digestion and facilitate the functioning of internal organs. If you have problems with the pancreas, Creon capsules are well suited.

Their contents look like small balls. There will be no problems with swallowing. You should just immediately give the drug a small amount of water to drink, without allowing the child to bite into the granules.

Against the background of inflammation of the pancreas, eating is very difficult. Due to insufficient nutrition and hypersecretion of digestive enzymes, gastritis may develop or an exacerbation of an existing chronic form may occur. Bee honey is a very effective natural remedy.

To purchase a natural product, it is better to contact honest beekeepers. Among your acquaintances there will probably be someone who can give you the contacts of a reliable person. The only condition for the successful outcome of such therapy is to take it in small portions, alternating with tea or water.

Surgery is one of the causes of increased alpha amylase in the blood.

The main thing to remember is that honey does not tolerate heat. Therefore, you cannot mix it with hot tea. If this rule is not followed, harmful carcinogenic substances are formed, and all benefits disappear.

Elevated levels of alpha amylase in the blood can and should be corrected.

Values ​​below the reference values ​​indicate causes related to the defective functioning of the liver, thyroid or pancreas. In adolescents and young children, too low numbers indicate possible genetic pathologies such as cystic fibrosis, fermentopathy and others. Therefore, timely treatment is necessary for normal development in the future.

Amylase in the blood is increased causes

An increase in amylase one or two units above normal can be ignored. But when an increase in the indicator is recorded by two or three times, this already indicates the presence of serious problems in the body.

They can be anticipated, since such a significant increase in the enzyme in the blood is accompanied by frequent abdominal pain and general malaise.

Exceeding the norm by amylase is most often provoked by a disease such as pancreatitis. It can be of two types:

• Acute – inflammation of the pancreas, developing at lightning speed. The organ is affected by its own enzymes, which penetrate into the blood in increased quantities and create a serious threat to life.
  Research shows that amylase levels can increase eightfold. The maximum is reached four hours after the attack begins. Only after a few days the amylase concentration returns to normal.

  The disease is typical for adults. Gender and genetics do not influence its development. Those who abuse strong drinks are at risk.

• Chronic – progressive inflammatory processes in the pancreas. Amylase activity can increase three to five times.
  Inflammatory processes do not go away even after eliminating the causes that provoked them. Gradually, the pancreas may lose its ability to perform its functions.

  The disease is accompanied by pain in the pit of the stomach. Often they radiate to the back and spread to the right or left hypochondrium, reaching the heart and simulating angina pectoris.

Among other reasons that increase the level of amylase in the blood, the following should be highlighted:

• A tumor, cyst in the pancreas or the appearance of stones in it. The structure of the organ changes, which leads to compression of the glandular tissue. Amylase production increases and can reach 200 U/l.
• Mumps (mumps or behind the ear) is a disease that most often affects children from three to fifteen years of age. This acute infectious disease, caused by a paramicrovirus, affects the parotid salivary gland, causing visible swelling in the space behind the ears, pain and fever.
• Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity that plunges the entire body into a serious condition. These pathological processes irritate the pancreas, increasing the activity of its cells and amylase levels.
• Diabetes mellitus is a disease that completely disrupts metabolism, including carbohydrate metabolism. Amylase is not completely consumed, its amount in the blood increases.
• Kidney failure is a pathological condition in which the kidneys partially or completely lose the ability to form or excrete urine. The body's self-regulation is disrupted and more amylase is produced.

The reasons for the increase in amylase can also be:

• ectopic pregnancy;
• poisoning from drinks with high alcohol content;
• disordered eating;
• intestinal obstruction;
• dysfunction of the salivary glands;
• Epstein-Barr virus;
• injuries affecting the abdominal area;
• macroamylasemia;
• deterioration of condition, exacerbation after surgery.

Exposure to certain genetic factors can also increase amylase levels in the blood. They prevent the enzyme from being released into the urine, and it accumulates in the blood.