American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 26, 367-373, Copyright © 1973 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Nutritional aspects of chronic pancreatitis

¹ From the Section of Gastroenterology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520

In summary, enzyme replacement is the major form of nutritional therapy in patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Although a good response may occur, with relief of symptoms and weight gain, restoration of fat absorption to normal is rarely complete. The dose and treatment schedule is not well established, and various regimens may have to be tried in order to obtain optimal benefits. In patients responding poorly, other causes of malabsorption should be considered. If additional sources of calories are desirable, elemental diets may be helpful. Fat-soluble vitamins and vitamin B₁₂ supplementation is rarely necessary, but from time to time, the clinician may find that specific alterations of mucosal or pancreatic function may require specific attention to details. In the management of chronic pancreatitis, as indeed in the management of all malabsorptive and maldigestive syndromes, there is no substitute for knowing what must be done.