Amylase:

Amylase:

Amylase is an enzyme made in the saliva and the pancreas. Its function is to break down complex starches into sugars. It breaks down the starches into disaccharides and trisaccharides. These are further digested into glucose by other enzymes. Amylase is of three types namely alpha, beta, and gamma. Amylase as an enzyme is used in the process of fermentation of beers, as a flour additive, and for medicinal purposes. It is used in PERT (Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy) (See: PERT). A diagnostic test called the amylase blood test is also performed. It is done by collecting either a blood or a urine sample to evaluate pancreatitis or conditions like pancreatic cancer, abscess of the pancreas, and pancreatic pseudocyst. High levels of amylase might indicate peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, acute pancreatitis, and cholecystitis. Low levels of amylase might indicate chronic kidney disease, and preeclampsia. Sometimes, amylase tests are also done with a lipase test.