Pancreatic lipase is the primary enzyme that breaks down dietary fats in the human digestive system. It hydrolyzes triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Pancreatic lipase requires bile salts to emulsify fat droplets and a high pH for activation. It works with colipase to break down triglycerides absorbed into the bloodstream as chylomicrons. A deficiency in pancreatic lipase can lead to issues absorbing and metabolizing fats and related health problems.