Pancreatic Insufficiency – What It Is and How to Manage It

When your pancreas can’t make enough digestive enzymes, food doesn’t break down the way it should. That’s called pancreatic insufficienty. It can make you feel bloated, tired, and cause weight loss even if you eat enough.

The good news? Simple changes in diet and a few pills can keep the problem from ruining your day. Below you’ll find the most common signs and easy steps you can take right now.

Common Signs You Might Be Missing

Many people think occasional gas or a change in stool is normal. With pancreatic insufficienty, the symptoms tend to stick around and get worse over time. Look for these clues:

• Frequent, bulky, greasy stools that float or have a strong odor.
• Unexplained weight loss despite eating regular meals.
• Feeling full quickly or having persistent tummy pain after meals.
• Gas, bloating, or cramps that don’t improve after a few days.
• Fat‑soluble vitamin deficiencies – low energy, bruising, or bone pain.

If you notice two or more of these signs, especially after a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer, it’s time to talk to your doctor about testing.

Simple Steps to Improve Digestion

Managing pancreatic insufficienty isn’t rocket science. Most people do well with a mix of enzyme pills and smart food choices.

1. Start enzyme replacement therapy. Your doctor will prescribe pancreatin tablets that contain the three key enzymes – lipase, amylase, and protease. Take the pills right before or with each meal, not after, so they mix with the food.

2. Choose low‑fat meals. Fat is the hardest thing to digest without enough lipase. Aim for 20‑30 grams of fat per meal and spread any higher‑fat foods throughout the day. Replace butter with olive oil spray, pick lean proteins, and swap fried foods for baked or grilled options.

3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of three big plates, try five to six smaller meals. This gives the enzymes a better chance to work and reduces the load on your gut.

4. Add vitamin supplements. Because fat‑soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) don’t get absorbed well, a daily multivitamin with these nutrients can prevent deficiencies. Check the label for “fat‑soluble” and talk to your pharmacist.

5. Keep a food‑symptom journal. Write down what you eat, the enzyme dose, and how you feel afterward. Patterns pop up quickly and help you tweak doses or meal choices.

Most people see a big improvement within a week of starting enzymes and adjusting their diet. If you still have oily stools or keep losing weight, let your doctor know – the dose might need a bump.

Remember, pancreatic insufficienty is a lifelong condition, but it’s manageable. With the right enzymes, a low‑fat plan, and regular check‑ins, you can get back to feeling normal and keep your body getting the nutrients it needs.