Trypsin inhibitors
Trypsin inhibitors are peptides that prevent trypsin from exerting its effect in the intestine or restrict it. Trypsin is blocked and cannot fulfil its function as an activator of other digestive enzymes in the intestine. Trypsin inhibitors are found in various foods.
A well-known representative is soybeans, which contain trypsin inhibitors in raw form. The consumption of raw soybeans can therefore disturb the digestion of protein in the intestine. To prevent this, the soybeans should be cooked before consumption, as this inactivates the trypsin inhibitors. In the case of soybean flour, it should be ensured that it has undergone a roasting process, as this also deactivates the trypsin inhibitors. Otherwise digestion problems could occur.
Laboratory values of Trypsin
A blood sample is required to determine the trypsin value. From this the amount of trypsin present can be determined in a medical laboratory. The value for a healthy person is between 10 and 57 μg per liter of blood.
As a rule, the trypsin value is determined if there is a suspicion of acute inflammation of the pancreas, i.e. pancreatitis. However, other parameters, such as the elastase value, should also be determined for this purpose. If the level of trypsin in the blood is elevated, this means that either an excessive amount of the digestive enzyme is secreted from the pancreas or too little trypsin is secreted from the body after it has fulfilled its function.
Excessive secretion of trypsin can be caused by an acute inflammation of the pancreas, i.e. pancreatitis. However, it can also be an episode of chronic pancreatitis, i.e. pancreatitis that has been present for a long time.Furthermore, a tumor of the pancreas or a cystic pancreatic fibrosis in the context of cystic fibrosis are possible causes. However, if one of these diseases is suspected, further parameters of the pancreas should be assessed for clarification.
Another possible cause for the increase in trypsin value is renal insufficiency. If this disease is suspected, it should also be further clarified by a doctor. Since trypsin is a crucial component of the activation cascade for digestive enzymes in the intestine, a deficiency leads to insufficient digestion and absorption of proteins from food.
The lack of absorption of dietary proteins leads to weight loss and deficiency symptoms due to lack of proteins in the human body. In addition, it leads to a so-called rotting of the intestine with an accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. This can also be recognized by meat fibers in the stool.
