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Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic enzymes help digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in food. These enzymes are secreted into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. They also aid in the digestion of meals in patients with cystic fibrosis or other diseases affecting the function of the pancreas.
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Pancreatic enzymes aid in the digestion of meals in patients who have diseases affecting their pancreatic function. They are usually taken by those with cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food.
Pancreatic enzymes contain the ingredients pancreatin and pancrelipase, both of which contain the enzymes lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes break down fats (lipase), proteins (protease), and complex carbohydrates (amylase) to allow absorption of these nutrients into the body.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD