Pancreatic enzymes are digestive enzymes that play an important part in the digestive process. They are one of several enzymes secreted by the pancreas, a gland organ near the stomach and small intestine, to break down digestive products such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the small intestine. Without the production and release of these enzymes, health problems could arise.
After being secreted, pancreatic enzymes move through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine. The enzymes combine with bile, which is produced by the liver, to break down the digestive products. Enzymes produced by the pancreas include proteases, pancreatic lipase and amylase.
Protease enzymes produced by the pancreas include trypsin and chymotrypsin; the two protease enzymes break proteins down into smaller molecular components known as peptides. Pancreatic lipase breaks down triglyceride fats into monoglyceride and free fatty acids. Amylase enzymes produced by the pancreas breaks down starch into a form of sugar known as maltose. Once the digestive products are reduced by the pancreatic enzymes, they are absorbed through the small intestine.
Pancreatic enzymes are secreted in an inactive form. They usually do not become active until they reach the small intestine. In cases of pancreatitis, however, the enzymes become active in the pancreas and begin to digest healthy tissues, creating a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and irritated.
Without the release of pancreatic enzymes, the body cannot properly digest foods and absorb nutrients. If the pancreas does not produce the amount of enzymes needed to digest food, a pancreas enzyme insufficiency may occur. Pancreas enzyme insufficiency, also known as malabsorption, can lead to malnutrition, diarrhea and weight loss. This type of condition may develop from an injury or trauma to the pancreas or in people who are suffering from chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors. Pancreas enzyme insufficiency also will occur if the pancreas, or a part of the pancreas, is surgically removed.
Those who suffer from insufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes being produced can promote healthy digestion by taking the enzymes by mouth in the form of capsules, tablets or powders. Stool tests can be used to determine if a person is definitely experiencing insufficient pancreatic enzyme production. Such tests also can determine if another issue is contributing to the symptoms.
Only a small minority of oral pancreatic enzymes has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and consumers should not take any oral pancreatic enzymes without a prescription from their doctor. Patients on enzyme therapies will need continual follow-up with their doctor to ensure the enzymes are working and the dosage is correct. A doctor also can help to determine whether the supplemental enzymes are still needed.
