Amylase is an enzyme which is essential to break down starch into sugar. Amylase enzyme is found in human saliva and it aids in the chemical process of digestion. Further, amylase is found in the pancreas as it aids in the hydrolyses the starch into disaccharides and trisaccharides. this hydrolysized starch is then converted to glucose which is burned to produce energy for the body.
All in all amylase is essential to break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars which can be used by the body to generate energy. Deficiency of amylase results in fat intolerance especially among individuals who consume high volumes of complex carbohydrates
Amylase deficiency is associated with severe problems. These include,
- Skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, dermatitis, etc
- Amylase deficiency is also known to trigger respiratory distress and contribute to asthma attacks
- In severe cases of amylase deficiency, individuals may suffer from chronic pancreatitis, hepatitis or pancreatic cancer.
One of the leading cause for amylase deficiency is a high carbohydrate diet. High volume of complex carbohydrate in the diet results in increased demand for amylase to convert them into simple sugars. After prolonged period of time, the levels of amylase fall below normal which result in Amylase deficiency.
Amylase deficiency treatment would comprise of restricting the intake of complex carbohydrates and starch in the diet. Reduced complex carbohydrates, reduces the demand for amylase which in turn aids in management of the symptoms associated with the problem.