Nutritional Therapy in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Maldigestion as a consequence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is the major cause of malnutrition in these patients. Together with that, toxic habits and alterations of the gastroduodenal transit may play a relevant role. Malnutrition in chronic pancreatitis is associated with osteoporosis, sarcopenia, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. An adequate nutritional evaluation including anthropometric, biochemical, and morphologic parameters is recommended in these patients. Nutritional advice and support together with an adequate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy are indicated.

Keywords: Anthropometry; Fecal elastase; Micronutrients; Nutritional markers; Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy; Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency; Proteins; Vitamins.