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Pancreatic Enzymes

Description

Pancreatic enzymes (also known as pancreatin) contain protease for protein digestion, lipase for fat digestion and amylase for carbohydrate digestion. Enzymes have been shown to be helpful for inflammation and injury when taken away from meals, and for digestive problems when taken with meals.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Impaired digestion - Malabsorption - Nutrient deficiencies - Abdominal discomfort

Clinical Applications/Research

Pancreatic Enzymes

Pancreatic extracts stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion (Digestion 1993;54(Suppl 2):35-9). “Pancreatic enzymes have an influence on the release of some gastrointestinal hormones (i.e. cholecystokinin, motilin and gastric inhibitory peptide)” (Digestion ibid p.15). Oral pancreatic enzymes increased efficiency in a subgroup of patients with impaired secretion ability (Digestion ibid p. 30). Pancreatin refers to preparations of enzymes secreted by the pancreas; pancreatin has one of the greatest potentials in medicine; pancreatic enzyme deficiency is said to be at the root of many degenerative diseases. Pancreatin is often used in the treatment of indigestion, malabsorption and inflammatory conditions. Pancreatin contains proteolytic enzymes, lipase and amylase. “It converts not less than 25 times its weight of starch into soluble carbohydrates and not less than 25 times its weight of casein into proteoses (hydrolyzed protein) within 5 minutes. Its greatest activity is exhibited in neutral or faintly alkaline media; mineral acids or excess alkali hydroxides or carbonates render it inactive” (Merck Index, 11th ed. Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J. 1989 p. 6953). “Pancreatin is most often employed in the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency characterized by impaired digestion, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies and abdominal discomfort... (Murray M and Pizzorno J Encyclopedia of natural Medicine. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, Ca. 1991, p. 53).

Suggested Dosage

500-1000 mg with each meal or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Use caution directly before and after surgery.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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