Pancreatin

What it is

Pancreatin is a preparation of pancreatic enzymes — lipase, amylase and protease — that replaces what the pancreas is not delivering. The enzymes work in the small intestine to break down fat, starch and protein so that they can be absorbed. It is used when digestion is impaired by insufficient pancreatic enzyme output, with symptoms such as bloating, greasy stools and poor absorption of food.

Used for

• Digestion

What to know while taking it

It works only when it meets food, so it is taken with meals; enzymes swallowed on an empty stomach simply pass through. It interferes with folate (vitamin B9) absorption, so folate status is worth keeping in mind during longer use. Enteric-coated forms are swallowed whole rather than crushed or chewed, since stomach acid destroys the exposed enzyme, and antacid or acid-suppressing medicines change how the coating dissolves.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if greasy or floating stools, weight loss or abdominal pain continue despite treatment, or if unusual joint pain or difficulty passing urine appears.

Nutrients affected

• vitaminB9 — absorption blocked with (Folate, Hemoglobin, Homocysteine)