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The Daily Insight

What are the symptoms of protease deficiency?

Author

Caleb Butler

Updated on April 05, 2026

Protease deficiency is associated with dryness. Dry extremities and dry skin rashes are usually the rule. Constipation, calcium deficiency, gingivitis, fungus, hypertension, hearing loss, tooth decay and mood swings are symptoms associated with protease deficiency.

How do you test for enzyme deficiency?

The 3 main tests used to diagnose EPI are:

  1. Fecal elastase test. This test measures the amount of elastase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas, in your stool.
  2. Fecal fat test. This test checks the amount of fat in your stool.
  3. Direct pancreatic function test.

What happens if you lack protease?

Acidity is created through the digestion of protein. Therefore a protease deficiency results in an alkaline excess in the blood. This alkaline environment can cause anxiety and insomnia.

What is the test for EPI?

The most commonly used test for EPI is a stool test called fecal elastase-1. Unfortunately, nonspecific early symptoms of EPI can make it’s identification difficult and delay diagnosis.

What happens if a person does not have enough protease enzyme?

Protease. This enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids. It also helps keep bacteria, yeast, and protozoa out of the intestines. A shortage of protease can lead to allergies or toxicity in the intestines.

How do you know if enzymes are working?

Many of the uncomfortable reactions such as an upset stomach, allergy-like symptoms or irritability are actually signs that the enzymes are working. The body is cleaning itself out and the healing process is starting.

What causes digestive enzyme deficiency?

Conditions that can lead to EPI include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, and gastrointestinal surgery in which parts of the pancreas or stomach have been removed.

How is protease deficiency treated?

Taking proteolytic enzyme supplements helps those with a deficiency or lack of these enzymes properly break down and digest dietary protein. Both foods and supplements containing proteolytic enzymes can aid protein digestion.

What are the symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

What are the symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)?

  • Abdominal pain, gas and bloating.
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatty stools (pale, oily, foul-smelling poop that floats).
  • Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive in infants and children.

What are the symptoms of low protease in humans?

Protease Deficiency Symptoms. Digestion of proteins makes the blood acidic, but due to lack of protease, protein is not digested and blood becomes more alkaline. This causes insomnia and anxiety. Osteoporosis and arthritis can result due to protease deficiency. Mood swings, irritability and general mood change occurs.

What are the symptoms of protein deficiency?

For the protein to get digested in the gastrointestinal tract, you need an enzyme protease. Deficiency of protease enzyme will result in protein deficiency symptoms. This will depend on the amount of deficiency of protease. Deficiency of protease can cause several symptoms: The alkalinity of the blood increases when there is protease deficiency.

How does protease deficiency affect blood alkalinity?

The alkalinity of the blood increases when there is protease deficiency. Digestion of proteins makes the blood acidic, but due to lack of protease, protein is not digested and blood becomes more alkaline. This causes insomnia and anxiety. Osteoporosis and arthritis can result due to protease deficiency.

What is the function of protease enzyme?

It is a building block. For the protein to get digested in the gastrointestinal tract, you need an enzyme protease. Deficiency of protease enzyme will result in protein deficiency symptoms. This will depend on the amount of deficiency of protease.