Nutrients

The pancreas is a gland in the body connected to the small intestine. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs. One of the functions of the pancreas is to make enzymes that digest food. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas enter the small intestine through a small duct, or passageway. In cystic fibrosis (CF), the ducts in the pan- creas become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. This mucus blocks the enzymes from reaching food in the small intestine. This can lead to poor digestion and absorption of food, as well as problems with weight gain. Fortunately, pancreatic enzyme replacements or “enzymes” are available to help people with CF digest and absorb their food.
What Are Enzymes And
How Do They Work?
Pancreatic enzyme replacements come in capsule form. Inside each capsule are many small “beads” that contain digestive enzymes. Each bead is covered with a special “enteric coating.” This coating allows the beads to dissolve in the small intestine. The digestive enzymes are then released in the small intestine to help digest food. The main functions of enzymes are:
• to digest carbohydrate, protein and fat (the three parts of food that supply calories);
• to help with weight gain; and
• to promote nutrient absorption.
Because there appears to be a connec- tion between better lung function and higher body weights, it is very important to take enzymes with all meals and snacks. More than 90% of people who have CF take pancreatic enzyme replacements.
How Are Enzymes Given?
Enzymes should be taken just before meals and snacks. For older children and adults, the capsules should be taken with liquid and swallowed whole. For infants and small chil- dren, the capsules may be opened up. The beads inside each capsule may be mixed in a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce, and given from a spoon. For babies, it may be helpful to offer breast milk or formu- la just after the beads are given.
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