Lipase, Bile Salt Dependent (BSDL)

Bile salt dependent lipase (or BSDL), also known as carboxyl ester lipase (or CEL) is an enzyme produced by the adult pancreas and aids in the digestion of fats. Bile salt stimulated lipase (or BSSL) is an equivalent enzyme found within breast milk. BSDL has been found in the pancreatic secretions of all species in which it has been looked for. BSSL, originally discovered in the milk of humans and various other primates, has since been found in the milk of many animals including dogs, cats, rats and rabbits. More than 95% of the fat present in human milk and in infant formulas is in the form of triacylglycerols (TG). In adults TGs are mainly thought to be broken down or hydrolyzed by the colipase-dependent lipase enzyme. In the newborn, CDL activity in the duodenum is lower than in adults.