In addition to producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. When the pancreas doesn't secrete enough digestive enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency), pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is needed.
Causes
Pancreatic insufficiency results from acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) due to conditions such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosis, gallstones, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes and abdominal injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pancreatitis include painful bloating, gas, indigestion, malabsorption of food (undigested food in the stool), weight loss, vitamin deficiencies and steatorrhea (oily, loose and smelly stools).
Treatment
Pancreatic digestive enzymes, extracted from fresh swine pancreas (pancrelipase) or fungi (for vegetarians), are prescribed to bolster pancreatic enzyme production and relieve symptoms.
Dosage
The recommended dose is 200 to 600 mg three times a day just before eating a meal to aid digestion, or 10 to 20 minutes before meals on an empty stomach to reduce inflammation.
Benefits
Pancreatic enzymes have been shown to be beneficial even for people who don't suffer from pancreatic insufficiency by improving digestion. Pancreatic enzymes have also been used effectively in treating thrombophlebitis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis and trauma resulting from sports injuries.
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