Which Enzymes Digest Fat and Cholesterol?

Although a triglyceride-digesting enzyme called lingual lipase is present in saliva, the job of digesting triglycerides is mostly handled by another lipase enzyme delivered by the pancreas. Pancreatic lipase detaches two fatty acids from glycerol, which results in a monoglyceride and two fatty 

acids (Figure 5.6). In turn, the remaining fatty acid may be detached by yet another enzyme from some of the monoglycerides. This would then produce glycerol and a fatty acid. Thus, the products of triglyceride digestion are fatty acids, monoglycerides, and glycerol, which are now small enough to move into the cells lining the small intestine. Meanwhile, some of the cholesterol in our diet is actually linked to other molecules, with the most prevalent attachments being fatty acids. These are often referred to as cholesterol esters. Other digestive enzymes (cholesterol esterase) will liberate cholesterol so that it can be absorbed.

The digestion of fat and cholesterol requires bile and lipase enzymes and the assistance of the lymphatic circulation.