Evidence supporting the use of: Pancreas
For the body system: Small Intestines
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
The pancreas plays an essential role in supporting the small intestine's functions, primarily through its production of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate. Scientifically, the connection is well established: the pancreas secretes enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine via the pancreatic duct, which are crucial for the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Additionally, pancreatic bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid entering the small intestine, providing an optimal pH for enzymatic activity. Pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, leads to malabsorption and various gastrointestinal symptoms, underscoring the organ’s importance in small intestine health.
In supplementation and alternative medicine, "pancreas glandular" extracts are sometimes marketed to support digestive health, with the rationale that consuming animal pancreatic tissue may supply enzymes or trophic factors beneficial to the human digestive system. While the direct evidence for the efficacy of oral pancreas extracts in otherwise healthy individuals is limited, enzyme replacement therapy using purified pancreatic enzymes is a mainstream, science-backed treatment for conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis. Studies consistently show that pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies improve nutrient absorption, reduce symptoms, and support intestinal health in affected individuals. Thus, the scientific basis for the pancreas supporting the small intestine is strong, particularly in the context of enzyme therapy for those with pancreatic dysfunction.
Other ingredients that support Small Intestines
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amino acids
amylase
amylopectin
asparagus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bayberry
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
caprylic acid
carrot
chia seed
chicory
cinnamon
coating
colostrum
turmeric
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fungal protease
ginger
green banana
green tea
gurmar
cellulose
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
lactase
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lemon
lipase
magnesium
marshmallow
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
okra
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peptidase (DPPIV)
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytase
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protease
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
saccharomyces boulardii
sardines
slippery elm bark
soybean
spinach
starch
streptococcus thermophilus
sucrase
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watermelon
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
papaya
pterocarpus marsupium
lingzhi
yarrow
bile salt
sodium salt
dioscorea
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
chickpea protein
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Aminopeptidase
Alchornea
Alpha-glycans
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
Animal protein
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Brassica
Bran
Bael
Butternut
Bacillus licheniformis
Bile
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Centella triterpenes
Curry leaf
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Corktree
Clostridium butyricum
Debaryomyces hansenii
Diamine Oxidase
Enterococcus
Egg
Eucheuma
Enzyme Blend
Egg protein
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Galactosidase
glucose
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Pancreas
Digestive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Intestinal System
Small Intestines