Lipase and co-lipase activities of human small intestinal contents after a liquid test meal.

Methods for the determination of pancreatic lipase in small intestinal content have been re-evaluated in the light of the presence of co-lipase therein. A method is described for the determination of co-lipase in intestinal content based on its property to reactivate bile-salt-inhibited lipase. Figures are given for lipase and co-lipase activities in intestinal contents of normal humans aged 1-22. These two components originating in the pancreatic juice vary in a parallel fashion, and no variations with age were apparent. A simple diagnostic criterion is given to detect a possible specific co-lipase deficiency.