Which human digestive enzyme is noted as unable to break down the indigestible wax esters in oilfish flesh?
Answer
Lipase
The inability of the human body to process the oils in fish like escolar is directly linked to the specific digestive enzyme responsible for fat breakdown. That enzyme is lipase, which is primarily secreted to hydrolyze triglycerides into absorbable components. However, lipase is ineffective or largely incapable of breaking down the molecular structure of wax esters, which comprise the majority of the problematic oil content in these fish species. Because lipase cannot cleave these long-chain esters into their constituent parts, the material remains undigested, bypasses absorption in the small intestine, and travels intact to the lower digestive tract where it causes symptomatic release.
Related Questions
What unique lipid component causes gastrointestinal distress after consuming excessive escolar?What is the specific medical term for the oily or waxy stool discharge resulting from oilfish ingestion?Which human digestive enzyme is noted as unable to break down the indigestible wax esters in oilfish flesh?What characteristic texture makes oilfish a desirable substitute for white tuna or cod?How do the symptoms of oilfish ingestion fundamentally differ from those of scombrotoxin poisoning?What dietary recommendation is crucial for supportive care while managing the symptoms of an oily discharge event?In consumer vigilance, what specific question should diners proactively ask a server regarding fish texture?When does the acute gastrointestinal distress, marked by oily discharge, typically commence after ingesting oilfish?What management strategy should generally be avoided for oilfish-related discharge without medical advice?How does the primary risk profile of escolar compare to the chronic risk associated with high-mercury fish?