Which Enzyme Breaks Down Short-Chain Triglycerides in Food?

Lipase

Lipases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds in lipids. In the context of digesting short-chain triglycerides found in foods like butterfat and milk, the specific lipase responsible for their breakdown is called gastric lipase.

Gastric lipase is produced by the stomach and is active in the acidic environment of the stomach. It helps to break down triglycerides into diglycerides and free fatty acids, which can then be further broken down by other enzymes in the small intestine for absorption.