The pancreas secretes several digestive enzymes. The two most commonly tested enzymes are lipase and amylase. According to Healthline, normal lipase levels are anything less than 160 units per liter. The normal amylase level ranges from 23 to 85 units per liter.
According to Cedars-Sinai, lipase breaks down fats in the digestive system while amylase breaks down carbohydrates. Healthline states that abnormally high lipase levels may be a symptom of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or celiac disease. Drugs such as opiates and birth control pills also affect lipase levels.
According to Healthline, abnormal amylase levels might also indicate pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer and can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy or mumps. Medications such as aspirin, opiates, and some birth control and chemotherapy drugs also affect amylase levels.
