What is Considered a Low Amylase Level?

Posted on: Jun 4, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is Considered a Low Amylase Level?

An amylase test helps check the quantity of amylase enzyme in your body. This enzyme is produced mostly in your pancreas and small amounts in your salivary glands. The main duty of the amylase enzyme is to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars to make it easy for your digestive organs.

When your amylase test shows higher or lower levels than the normal range, it can indicate serious issues with your pancreas, digestive organs, kidneys and other vital organs. While higher amylase levels can indicate severe pancreatic inflammations and certain cancers, lower amylase levels can also indicate certain critical issues, as explained in this blog.

What is the Normal Range for Amylase

An amylase test is done by taking a sample of your blood or urine. This test is also known as serum amylase when taken through a blood sample. The normal range of amylase levels in this type of test is 30 to 118 U/L (for patients under 60 years) and 30 to 151 U/L (for patients aged 60 and above). The unit U/L stands for units per litre.

In the case of a urine sample-based amylase test, the normal range is considered between 2.6 and 21.2 international units per hour (IU/h). When your test shows far lower levels than the minimum range (according to the serum or urine test), it can indicate an issue with your pancreas, livers & kidneys, cystic fibrosis, etc.

When Do You Notice a Low Range?

A low amylase level is common in patients who are already hospitalised, or receiving glucose, due to chronic pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. Usually, doctors repeat the amylase test after a couple of hours to confirm the range before proceeding with further treatment. Apart from these conditions, low amylase can also indicate chronic or permanent damage to the amylase-producing cells present in the pancreas and salivary glands.

Certain studies have proved that low serum amylase levels can result in imbalances in the exocrine-endocrine levels in the pancreas, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes in people. Usually, a low amylase level can indicate the following health issues:

• Advanced pancreatic disorders –

chronic pancreatitis, or last stages of pancreatic cancer

• Liver disorders –

Hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Extreme cases of malnutrition –

Failure of several vital organs

Conclusion

Doctors note that low amylase levels are less common than high levels, but they still require the same level of priority and immediate medical attention. Considering the potential costs of tests and treatments for related complications, having a health insurance plan can help manage medical expenses effectively.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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