Pancreas

Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements

What Does The Pancreas Do?

Digesting and assimilating nutrients is crucial for the body to obtain energy and essential molecules from our foods. The pancreas plays a vital role in this process through the production and secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones. Let's explore how digestion and assimilation occur and the specific functions of the pancreas in this context and how pancreatic enzyme supplements can help.

Digestion involves both mechanical and chemical processes. Mechanical digestion starts in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva and continues in the stomach through the churning action of the muscles. Chemical digestion, on the other hand, involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler forms by digestive enzymes. 

Pancreatic Enzymes

Pancreatic enzymes are secreted in inactive forms to prevent them from digesting the pancreas. Once released into the small intestine, however, they become activated by other enzymes present in the gut, such as enteropeptidase and trypsin. Pancreatic enzymes include:

• Pancreatic amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like glucose.
• Pancreatic lipase, which digests fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase, which are proteases that break down proteins into individual amino acids.

Other Roles Of The Pancreas

In addition to digestive enzymes, the pancreas also produces bicarbonate ions, which help neutralize the acidic chyme - the partially digested food that is produced in the stomach and released into the small intestine during digestion. These bicarbonate ions create a favourable environment, allowing digestive enzymes to function optimally.

Beyond digestion, the pancreas is tasked with regulating blood sugar levels in the body through the secretion of two essential hormones: insulin and glucagon. As most people know, insulin is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels, while glucagon is released by the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood sugar levels are low. Glucagon, thus, acts in an opposing manner to insulin. It stimulates the liver to break down glycogen (the stored form of glucose) into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels when necessary. 

Unsurprisingly, a balanced interaction between insulin and glucagon is critical to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing them from becoming too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). This balance is also crucial for overall metabolic health and the proper functioning of our organs and tissues.

Who Needs Pancreatic Extract?

Because pancreatic extract is rich in enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, it can be used to stimulate the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the digestive system. As such, it makes a great digestive aid. It is also frequently recommended in conditions that affect the pancreas, such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic insufficiency, which can all impair the normal production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas, leading to difficulties in digesting and absorbing nutrients from food.

A pancreatic extract can also be highly beneficial to help correct malabsorption and steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool) and to counteract unintended weight loss associated with pancreatic conditions. Moreover, because of its effects on regulating glycemia, pancreatic extract may be recommended as part of complex protocols to help regulate blood sugar metabolism.

Benefits of Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements

• Aids Nutrient Absorption
• Blood Sugar Regulation
• Natural Anti-Inflammatory Effects
• Promotes Healthy Digestion 
• Supports Pancreatic Function
• Used In Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

Pancreatic Extract Supplements

Pancreatic extract typically comes in dietary supplement form and features a mixture of digestive enzymes derived from the pancreas of animals, typically pigs. You can usually choose between capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid suspension solutions.

Final Thoughts

The dosage of pancreatic enzymes appropriate for each person depends on medical history and body weight. You should start with the smallest amount necessary and adjust according to your reaction.

Pancreatic extract dosing is measured in terms of lipase activity, the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down fats. Initially, the recommended dose range is usually between 10,000 and 20,000 lipase units with smaller meals/snacks and between 20,000–40,000 lipase units with more significant/main meals.

Pancreatic extract should be taken prior to eating for optimal efficacy; however, it should not be taken with alkaline food to prevent enzymes from being inactivated.

Cautions & Side Effects

While pancreatic extracts are generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience certain side effects. These can include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances: The most common side effects are related to the gastrointestinal system. These may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur in response to pancreatic extracts. Signs of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or tightness in the chest. 
• High blood uric acid levels: Pancreatic extracts may increase the levels of uric acid in the blood, which can potentially lead to gout or kidney stone formation. This side effect is more common in individuals with a history of gout or kidney problems.
• Irritation of the mouth: Some individuals may experience irritation or soreness in the mouth due to pancreatic enzymes.

If you experience any of the above, discontinue use and contact your health care practitioner.