Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is capsules that replace the enzymes that your pancreas would normally make. These help you to digest your food by breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins in your food.
Pancreatic enzymes can help manage the symptoms of problems with digestion, such as weight loss or diarrhoea. They can also help you to cope better with treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery. Managing problems with diet and digestion can make a big difference to how you feel.
Different brands of enzymes are available in the UK:
- Creon®
- Pancrease®
- Nutrizym®
- Pancrex®.
All pancreatic enzymes are made from pork products, and there is no alternative. Talk to your doctor if you are allergic to pork products. Organisations representing Jewish and Muslim communities have said that these treatments are acceptable to use.
Vegetarian enzymes are sold in some health food shops and online, but they provide very low doses, are expensive and there is no evidence that they work.