Pancreatin is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.

Pancreatin is used to replace digestive enzymes when the pancreas does not produce enough on its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, or pancreas surgery.

Studies on vitamin B12 absorption were performed in three patients with total pancreatectomy, three with partial pancreatectomy and a single case of pernicious anemia by a whole body counting method. All three subjects with total pancreatectomy showed B12 malabsorption. In two out of the three patients, B12 absorption was improved by administration of pancreatic extract, pancreatin. Another patient showed the most improved absorption when normal human gastric juice in an amount of 20 ml was administered with pancreatin because of the lack of intrinsic factor in the gastric juice.

The pancreas is a large gland that lies in the upper abdomen, behind the lower part of the stomach. It serves two major functions. One is to produce the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help regulate metabolism. The other is to produce pancreatic juice, a secretion delivered into the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), where it aids digestion.

Natural pancreatin is a mixture of the fat dissolving enzyme, lipase, the protein enzymes such as protease, and those that break down carbohydrates like amylase. The enzymes in pancreatin may come from pork or beef. If you are vegetarian or have allergies or religious restrictions to any of these items, you should know this. Pancreatic enzymes are not standardized, and contain a variety of enzymes, including trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase, colipase, and ribonuclease.

Pancreatic enzymes are only able to work in an alkaline pH environment of 7.2 to 9.0 as found in the duodenum of the small intestine. It does not help digest food in the stomach and thus does not spare the body the necessity of providing all of the enzymes needed to digest food. A Betaine Hcl Supplement would be needed to boost stomach function.

Fortunately for vegetarians, a vegetarian form of Natural pancreatin is available as well as the regular form in capsule and tablet forms. Look for name brands like Solaray, Kal, and Source Naturals to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase. Always look to your local or internet health food store for popular name brand supplements.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural pancreatin is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.