Your digestive system, which begins in your mouth and runs the length of your body, is the site where food is dissected into molecules small enough to be absorbed. Enzymes are catalysts for digestion, each produced to break apart the molecules of a specific food component like protein or fat. When digestive enzyme production is impaired or the enzymes are defective, your body may no longer be as efficient at extracting nutrients or calories. As a result, you can lose weight, despite consuming adequate calories. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing unexplained weight loss.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a large gland that lies at the beginning of your intestinal tract. This gland is responsible for secreting enzymes that activate in the intestine to break down food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the enzymes attack the organ. As a result, digestion becomes impaired and this can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Pancreatitis can occur acutely or chronically but both forms pose a threat of permanent organ damage. Treatment for pancreatitis generally requires abstinence from food, with supplemental nutrition and fluid administered intravenously.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes your body to produce mucus that is much thicker than normal. This mucus jams the sacs of the lungs and increases susceptibility to infection. This thickened substance can also impair the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This effect can lead to nutrient malabsorption and chronically impaired digestion that can cause significant weight loss. Administration of replacement pancreatic enzymes may help some people with cystic fibrosis to improve nutrient absorption and gain weight.
Aging
Although a decline in certain functions related to aging can decrease the effectiveness of digestive enzymes, most dysfunction appears to be caused by medical conditions. A 1992 article published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" explains that the elderly may experience decreased secretion of stomach acid and enzymes because of gastritis. This condition, which is caused by inflammation of the stomach, can impair nutrient absorption and appetite, causing the individual to eat fewer calories. For the elderly person, this can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies that can cause susceptibility to falls, fractures and cognitive problems.
Considerations
Any sudden loss of weight is a cause for concern and should be brought to the attention of your health care professional. Ask your doctor about supplemental meal replacement beverages that may help you regain lost weight and replace nutrients. Emphasize high-quality, nutrient-dense foods rather than highly processed foods, to gain the maximum nutritional and caloric benefit. Consider consuming smaller quantities of food more frequently, to allow your body to digest more manageable amounts of food. Focusing on quality rather than quantity while being treated for digestive enzyme problems can help decrease your risk of additional illnesses caused by impaired immunity.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Pancreatitis
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Nutrition; Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement in People With Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: About CF: Causes, Signs and Symptoms
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Factors in Aging That Affect the Bioavailability of Nutrients; Robert M. Russell; 2001
