1. Essential Need
People who have the genetic disease called cystic fibrosis (CF) have a problem with the enzymes that are produced in the pancreas. The pancreas is a small gland in the body which secrets enzymes that, through a network of ducts, flow into the small intestine and digest fat, carbohydrates,and protein from the food we eat. This digestion and then absorption of food gives us the energy to perform daily living functions. If the food is not digested and absorbed properly, nutritional health starts deteriorating, ending up with malnutrition. In cystic fibrosis a gene mutation causes sticky mucus to be produced which clogs up the ductwork of the pancreas, lungs and other organs of the body; this restricts the flow of the much needed pancreatic enzymes into the small intestines for digestion.
2. Note on Pancreatic Enzymes
The synthetic pancreatic enzymes come in enterically coated capsules. They come in different strengths and are made from pork protein. They are to taken just before meals and snacks so the digestion and absorption occur correctly. The enzymes are varied in strength depending upon the severity of the disease and the amounts also vary to match the fat content of the meal or a snack. For example, if you are a CF patient wanting to have pizza, which is known to be a fatty food, you may require more enzymes for that meal. It is advisable not to break the capsule unless you are a child. Children can take the enzymes only in certain foods like applesauce which is acidic. Enzymes, when opened up and mixed into foods like milk or pudding, do not work as well. CF patients will need lifelong enzyme supplementation.
3. Difference Between Name Brand and Generic Enzymes
The enzymes are extracted form pig proteins. This process is difficult and therefore the active ingredients in two different products could be very different. In 2004, The Food and Drug administration asked all the enzyme manufacturers to do new testing and come up with improved quality and more standard products. This review was given a 4-year timeline. Meanwhile CF patients need to use known brands and doctor-prescribed enzymes so as to get the right product.
4. Enzyme Avoidance
Those CF patients who skip or avoid taking the enzymes as prescribed with all their meals and snacks may end up seeing the side effects of malabsoption of fat. This will produce large, frequent and foul smelling stools and eventually a decline in nutritional status is seen. This decline can be seen as failure to gain or maintain weight, frequent infections and growth retardation.
5. No Enzyme Foods
CF patients get a break from these enzymes when they eat simple carbohydrates like fruits, fruit juices, sports drink, dark tea or coffee without creamer, gum, jelly beans, Italian ice and Popsicles. For all other foods, they will require pancreatic enzymes to digest and absorb them correctly.
