Background

• Pancreatin consists of enzymes from cow or pig pancreas, namely amylase, protease, and lipase, which digest starch, protein, and lipids, respectively. Historically, pancreatic enzyme preparations were available over-the-counter (OTC); however, due to problems associated with their use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires manufacturers to obtain FDA approval before they can market and sell their pancreatin product.
• Pancreatin and pancrelipase share similar functions and indications; however, pancrelipase contains a more concentrated extract than pancreatin. Pancrelipase is found in FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Creon®, Zenpep, Pancreaze®, etc.). Pancrelipase contains 12 times the lipase activity, four times the amylase activity, and four times the protease activity of conventional pancreatin.
• In the United States, most pancreatic enzyme preparations are prescribed for patients with pancreatic digestive enzyme insufficiency from cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The efficacy of pancreatic enzyme supplements is widely accepted for these conditions.
• Pancreatic enzymes are used in modern medicine mainly for treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which food is not properly digested because the pancreas does not make an adequate amount of digestive enzymes. Other potential uses, which have less supportive evidence, include immune stimulation, tissue repair, blood clot treatment, and as a general digestive aid.

References

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