Chronic Pancreatitis and Diet Information

• The pancreas is a small gland located behind the stomach
• The pancreas produces enzymes, which help to breakdown and digest food
• The pancreas produces hormones such as insulin, which works within the bloodstream to help your body absorb and use nutrients

Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes permanently damaged from the continuous inflammatory process.

Symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Pain in upper abdomen that spreads into the back that can worsen on eating or taking alcohol
• Weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or oily stools
• Indigestion
• High temperature
• Pancreatic insufficiency ( reduced insulin and enzyme production)

There are several causes but the most common causes are:

• Autoimmune or genetic factors
• Long standing alcohol misuse - avoidance of alcohol in future is recommended
• Smoking

• Follow a low fibre diet if you are on PERT as a high fibre diet can inhibit the action of the enzymes
• A healthy and balanced diet is recommended to ensure you are receiving your vitamins and minerals
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking to prevent further damage to your pancreas

• Following a flare of your symptoms, a healthy balanced diet should be considered.
  
  
• However, a restrictive low fat diet is not recommended in the long term, as it is not nutritionally complete and may impact upon fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for your bodily functions.
  
  
• Weight loss is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis; therefore, your nutritional requirements may be higher.
  
  
• Your pancreas is responsible for producing insulin to help control the amount of sugar in your blood. If your blood sugar control is affected, further advice will be provided.

• Pancreatic insufficiency can be a symptom associated with chronic pancreatitis. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough pancreatic enzymes to digest fat from your diet.
  
  
• If this occurs you may be recommended to take PERT, which are enzymes in tablet form. These can help you digest and absorb nutrients. If you are prescribed PERT, they should be taken with all meals, snacks, and nourishing drinks.
  
  
• Your healthcare professionals can advise you on the dosages and if you continue to lose weight while using PERT please discuss this with your Healthcare team.

• To have smaller meals more frequently to help with your symptoms such as 5-6 smaller meals per day
• Choose higher energy and protein snacks to graze on throughout the day
• Eat food slowly and sit upright after eating to aid digestion
• Ensure you are taking you PERT with all foods and nourishing fluids
• Discuss how to fortify your diet with your dietitian
• Nutritional supplements or artificial tube feeding may be recommended if you are unable to meet your nutritional requirements
• A daily over the counter multivitamin and mineral supplement may help. Your doctor or dietitian can advise more on this

• Acute on chronic pancreatitis is a flare-up in an already damaged pancreas.
• It can cause severe pain, nausea, and digestive problems.
• Eating less fat during a flare helps reduce strain and ease symptoms.
• High-fat foods make the pancreas work harder and can worsen pain.
• Choose low-fat meals and snacks to support digestion during a flare.
• A very low-fat diet is not recommended long term—once the flare settles, return to a healthy, balanced diet.

If you have any dietary concerns regarding the following information, please contact the NHS Borders acute dietitians’ team on:

01896 826450