While fat is often looked at as a bad thing, it actually plays an important role in your health. Eating small portions of fat ensures certain vitamins are absorbed, and it also produces essential fatty acids, which support numerous bodily functions while lowering disease risk.
People with disorders of fat digestion have difficulty processing the fat from the foods they eat, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and serious health effects.
The digestion of fat can be disrupted by health conditions like liver and pancreas disease, as well as lymphatic system diseases. Some people with problems digesting fat will benefit from pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).
When the pancreas fails to produce lipase, which is an enzyme necessary to digest fat, PERT can replace this enzyme to support proper digestion. These medications are taken orally and must be taken in conjunction with food. For instance, people taking PERT medications must take a pill with the initial bite of food for the best results.
Along with the many other health effects associated with fat digestion disorders, they can also impede the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, which include the following:
In order for these supplements to be effective, doctors may need to prescribe higher doses. Some people may also need water-soluble forms to ensure the vitamins are efficiently absorbed by the body.