Pancreatin Enzyme

The millions of cell clusters from the pancreas, performing the endocrine functions are known as Islets of Langerhans. Some cells from these Islets of Langerhans secrete glucagon and some secrete insulin. Somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide are secreted by other types of cells.

The other part of pancreas or the exocrine pancreas generates digestive enzymes along with an alkaline fluid. Exocrine ducts carry these to the small intestine. Chymotrypsin, trypsin, pancreatic lipase and pancreatic amylase are the digestive enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas.

As seen before, secretion of necessary digestive enzymes through the pancreatic duct to the small intestine is an important function of pancreas.

The pancreatic enzymes help digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins from the food. Pancreatin enzyme in the form of pancreatin supplement is recommended by the physicians when there is problem in digestion of food components due to insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes. According to the available statistics, middle aged people are known to be more prone to chronic pancreatitis.

Dysfunction of pancreas can lead to pancreas problems and diseases like pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas) and diabetes. A person suffering from pancreatitis cannot digest the food properly and therefore does not get sufficient quantities of essential nutrients from the food that he eats.

Pancreatin enzyme, produced using the extract from the pancreas of animals and some vegetable sources, helps cure the condition. As it contains pancreatic enzymes, it is used to treat pancreatitis and other conditions involving insufficient pancreatic secretions.

Pancreatin tablets are available everywhere. These tablets contain digestive enzymes which break down and digest fats, starch and proteins in food.

They are recommended in conditions like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer of the pancreas, post-pancreatectomy, post-gastrointestinal bypass surgery, pancreatic or duodenal tumors, blockage or narrowing of the pancreatic or biliary duct (the tubes that carry pancreatic juice or bile), etc.

Pancreatin enzyme supplements are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms.

One brand of pancreatin tablets may not be equivalent to another as the amount of each enzyme varies greatly amongst the different brands. The type and dosage of pancreatic enzymes that is recommended, must be different for each person.

It is suggested that the patient should not often change the brand, he or she should rather stick to the brand that works. Regular discussion with a doctor or a dietitian regarding the type and dose of the artificially produced pancreatin enzyme helps avoid health complications.

• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• One should not take the supplement after taking calcium or magnesium containing antacids as this may reduce their effectiveness.
• Take the supplement with every fat containing meal or snack, especially meat, dairy, bread, snacks, and desserts.

• Initially, take the smallest necessary dose and then adjust the dose considering the severity of the pancreatic insufficiency. As per requirement, the dose can be adjusted from time to time.
• Never mix the open capsules with milk, custard, ice cream, and other dairy products as these foods have a higher pH that may dissolve the capsule's coating and destroy the necessary enzyme activity before they reach the stomach.

• You are supposed to swallow intact tablets with liquid at mealtimes. The tablets are purposely coated to prevent their breakdown in the stomach and so the tablets should not be crushed or chewed unless you are directed by the dietitian or physician.

• Do not forget to take the enzymes at the beginning of the meal or snack as it is very important for proper functioning of the enzyme. If you are taking multiple enzymes, they should be religiously taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the meal. They would not work well if taken at the end of the meal.

• Constipation is the most common side-effect of pancreatic enzymes.
• The other pancreatin side effects, which are not commonly noticed are nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

• The supplement may affect the effectiveness of some diabetic medications.
• Improper dosage of the supplement can cause weight loss.
• Signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction may appear in some cases and if so, use of pancreatic enzymes should be immediately discontinued.

• Use of pancreatin tablets in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis can lead to a serious condition known as fibrosing colonopathy, wherein the large intestine gets seriously affected.
• The enzymes are prepared by using beef, pork, pineapple, and/or papaya. Those with allergies to any of these, should consult their physicians to find a right enzyme preparation, to avoid allergic reactions.

• It should be noted that certain enzymes may start digesting the mucous membranes and lead to irritation if retained in the mouth. This may result in ulcerations of the mouth, lips and tongue.

If you find swallowing a capsule difficult, open the capsule and add the entire contents to a spoonful of soft food like applesauce, gelatin, pureed apricot, banana or sweet potatoes, which do not require chewing and thus you can swallow the contents immediately.

I hope the given information has made it clear that it is necessary to consult the physician before opting for pancreatin supplements. Although the supplements offer several health benefits, we cannot overlook the side effects. After examining the symptoms, the physician may adjust the dose.