Alpha-amylase

What you need to know about the alpha-amylase test

Amylase (alpha-amylase) is one of the digestive enzymes that is responsible for the breakdown of starch, glycogen and other carbohydrates, ensuring their absorption from the food consumed by a person. The largest amount of amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and the pancreas. The enzyme secreted by the pancreas is called pancreatic amylase and its level can be measured separately or taken into account in the total alpha-amylase indicator.

Amylase, produced by the salivary glands, is the first enzyme that begins digestion in the mouth. It is under its influence that starch from food begins to break down in the mouth. As a result, with prolonged chewing of starchy foods (potatoes, rice), they begin to acquire a sweet taste.

Without amylase, carbohydrate digestion is greatly impaired because starch molecules, due to their complexity, cannot be digested in the intestines without prior breakdown.

How to prepare for the analysis

In the morning on an empty stomach, you can drink clean still water. Venous blood from 2 years. The day before, you need to exclude fatty or spicy foods and alcohol from your diet, as well as physical activity.