Description
What Are Pancreatic Enzymes For?
Pancreatic enzymes are key players in healthy digestion. The enzymes protease, lipase, and amylase are secreted by the pancreas when we eat a meal. They are essential to the breakdown of food and the absorption of its nutrients as it arrives in the small intestine.*
What Are Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements Used For?
Pancreatic enzyme supplements may be recommended when people have symptoms related to the incomplete breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates or fats during the digestive process. These may include gas, bloating, cramping, occasional diarrhea or constipation, or food intolerances.
Additionally, specific conditions such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis may also produce symptoms requiring enzymatic support, which should be overseen by a physician. Consult a medical provider if you experience symptoms of malabsorption such as chronic diarrhea, unintended weight loss, or steatorrhea (bulky, pale, foul-smelling stool which may float or appear greasy).
What Pancreatic Enzyme Is Necessary To Digest Fat?
Lipase is the pancreatic enzyme necessary to digest fat, while protease breaks down proteins, and amylase acts on carbohydrates.
In addition to lipase, ox bile extract may further support digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. This may be especially indicated for anyone without a gall bladder and therefore unable to release a bolus of stored bile in response to a fatty meal, or people who have poor fat absorption or deficiency of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What Is The Best Way To Take Pancreatic Enzymes?
Recommendations vary, but pancreatic enzymes like PanAbsorb™ that are not enteric coated are most effective when taken shortly after a meal, to protect from breakdown by stomach acid. When selecting pancreatic enzymes, it’s important to note that full strength pancreatin is the preferred form, to ensure it is free of lactose – a commonly used filler which can aggravate digestive complaints in the large proportion of the adult population who are lactose intolerant.
Recommended Use
1 or 2 capsules after a meal, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Comparison to popular prescription pancreatic enzymes with recommended dose for individuals 110-160 lbs.
| PanAbsorb™ 2 capsules Full Strength Pancreatin† 1000mg | Popular prescription 36K |
| Protease 223,000 USP units* | 114,000 USP units |
| Amylase 245,000 USP units* | 180,000 USP units |
| Lipase 35,500 USP units* | 36,000 USP units |
| Other ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, and Ascorbyl Palmitate. | Other ingredients: gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 and sodium lauryl sulfate. |
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
