Evidence supporting the use of: Pancreatin
For the health condition: Protein Digestion (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Pancreatin is a mixture of digestive enzymes—including proteases (for proteins), amylases (for carbohydrates), and lipases (for fats)—derived from the pancreas of pigs or cows. Its primary medical use is to aid digestion in individuals with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption and poor protein digestion. There is substantial scientific validation for the use of pancreatin in treating EPI, which can be caused by chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic surgery.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that pancreatin supplementation improves nutrient absorption, including protein, in patients with EPI. Patients treated with pancreatin experience reductions in steatorrhea (fatty stools), weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies, and show improvements in markers of protein digestion and absorption. Clinical guidelines from gastroenterology associations recommend pancreatin as standard therapy for EPI. However, outside of EPI or documented enzyme deficiency, evidence supporting the use of pancreatin for mild or nonspecific "poor protein digestion" is limited. There is a lack of robust clinical trials in healthy individuals or those with functional dyspepsia who do not have confirmed pancreatic insufficiency.

In summary, the use of pancreatin for supporting protein digestion is scientifically validated in the context of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, with strong evidence and medical endorsement. Its routine use for general digestive complaints without confirmed enzyme deficiency is not supported by high-quality evidence.

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