Pancreatin

Pancreatin is a combination of digestive enzymes derived from animal pancreas. It is primarily used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient enzymes to break down food. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and associated gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, steatorrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Pancreatin aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by supplying the missing enzymes, namely amylase, lipase, and protease. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars, lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, and protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
The medication is typically taken orally, with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional. Pancreatin supplementation can help alleviate symptoms associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, such as bloating, gas, and weight loss, by improving nutrient absorption.