Pankreatiinia

Pankreatiinia refers to a group of enzymes produced by the pancreas. These enzymes are crucial for the digestion of food, breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. The primary pancreatic enzymes include amylase, lipase, and proteases like trypsin and chymotrypsin. Amylase digests carbohydrates, lipase breaks down fats, and proteases are responsible for protein digestion.

Normally, the pancreas secretes these enzymes in an inactive form into the small intestine. They are then activated within the intestinal lumen, where they can perform their digestive functions. This controlled activation prevents the enzymes from digesting the pancreas itself.

A deficiency in pancreatic enzymes, known as pancreatic insufficiency, can lead to malabsorption and digestive issues. This condition can be caused by various pancreatic diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer, which damage the cells responsible for enzyme production. Symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency can include diarrhea, steatorrhea (fatty stools), weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies. Treatment often involves pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), where patients take oral supplements containing the missing enzymes to aid digestion.