Question 1

is it safe to take over-the-counter pancreatic enzyme supplements?

Accepted Answer

Be aware: Do not take any medication unless there is a valid need or reason. Always follow the doctor's or manufacturer's directions.

Question 2

what enzymes does the pancreas produce?

Accepted Answer

Digestive enzymes.: The islets of langerhans in the pancreas contain its endocrine cells that produce hormones that help control blood glucose levels: Alpha cells - glucagon, beta cells - Insulin and amylin, delta cells - somatostatin, pp cells - pancreatic polypeptide, epsilon cells -ghrelin.  The exocrine cells make digestive enzymes, like trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen, to break down lipids and carbohydrates.

Question 3

what could cause my pancreas to produce too much enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Not overproducing: Hi. When your pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) are high in your blood, it's NOT from the pancreas overproducing them, it's from pancreatic inflammation that leaks them out. Causes of pancraetic inflammation (aka pancreatitis) are many. Some of the more common causes are gallstones, alcoholism, very high serum triglycerides, various medications, cystic fibrosis, etc. Good luck!

Question 4

what are the common causes of high pancreatic enzyme levels?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis: Inlammation of the pancreas, pancreatitis, is most commonly caused by a gallstone blocking the entrance of the pancreatic duct into the intestine, or alcoholism.  Less common causes include side-effects of certain drugs, very high triglyceride levels, and anatomical abnormalities of the pancreas.

Question 5

the duct in my pancreas has closed almost completely off. why does it cause so much pain if my enzymes are normal?

Accepted Answer

Pancreas: There are many reasons for abdominal pain that are not related to enzymes. You need to let your doctor know or seek advice from another doctor. Don't wait too long!

Question 6

what is a safe pancreas enzyme level?

Accepted Answer

Pancreas enzyme?: You'd need to specify which pancreatic enzyme you're asking about, as there are many.

Question 7

help! is it possible to have too many pancreatic enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Trick question!: Hi. Just kidding about trick question. Not possible to have too many panc. enz., BUT if they're in the wrong PLACE, then you've got pancreatitis. Panc. enz. belong in the gut lumen, where are essential for digestion. Elevated pancreatic enzymes in the BLOOD mean pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) has released the enz. where they don't belong. These enz. digest fats, proteins, carbs; do havoc!

Question 8

what blood test checks for pancreatic enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Blood test: Is lipase and amylase. Usually only a problem when significantly elevated as in pancreatitis.

Question 9

are pancreatic enzymes usually on routine blood work?

Accepted Answer

Pancreas: Nope. Not often tested unless there is a reason.

Question 10

i'm wondering are digestive enzymes and pancreas enzymes the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Medically, yes: Hi. Yes, from a therapeutic standpoint, they are. There are also digestive enzymes in saliva &amp; from the stomach that are not pancreatic enzymes, but when you're talking about drug therapy digestive enzymes, they're pancreatic enzymes (Pancrease, Creon, etc).

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Doctor answers about:

Over the counter pancreatic enzymes

A member asked:

Is it safe to take over-the-counter pancreatic enzyme supplements?

A member asked:

What enzymes does the pancreas produce?

A member asked:

What could cause my pancreas to produce too much enzymes?

A member asked:

What are the common causes of high pancreatic enzyme levels?

A member asked:

The duct in my pancreas has closed almost completely off. why does it cause so much pain if my enzymes are normal?

A member asked:

What is a safe pancreas enzyme level?

A member asked:

Help! is it possible to have too many pancreatic enzymes?

A member asked:

What blood test checks for pancreatic enzymes?

A member asked:

Are pancreatic enzymes usually on routine blood work?

A member asked:

I'm wondering are digestive enzymes and pancreas enzymes the same thing?

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