Protocol · Digestive & Liver Health
Pancreatitis Recovery & Chronic Management Support Protocol
Pancreatic Enzymes and Vitamin D are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Pancreatitis Recovery & Chronic Management Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Pancreatic Enzymes | Amount listed: Prescription PERT: 40,000–50,000 lipase units with meals, 20,000–25,000 with snacks | Replaces deficient pancreatic enzymes for digestion; essential in chronic pancreatitis with exocrine insufficiency | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (often higher doses needed; monitor levels) | Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency common due to malabsorption; essential for bone health | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin A | Amount listed: 5,000–10,000 IU daily (monitor levels; avoid excess) | Fat-soluble vitamin; deficiency common in chronic pancreatitis due to malabsorption | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400 IU daily | Fat-soluble vitamin; deficiency common; antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin K | Amount listed: 100 mcg daily (or as prescribed based on INR) | Fat-soluble vitamin; deficiency causes bleeding risk | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 1,000 mcg daily (sublingual or injection if malabsorption severe) | Can become deficient due to pancreatic protease insufficiency affecting absorption | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 1–2 g EPA+DHA daily (with meals and pancreatic enzymes) | Anti-inflammatory; may help reduce inflammation; take with PERT for absorption | Not graded yet | ||
| Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT Oil) | Amount listed: 15–30 mL daily (start low to avoid GI upset) | Absorbed without pancreatic enzymes; provides calories when fat malabsorption is severe | Not graded yet | ||
| Antioxidant Combination | Amount listed: Selenium 200 mcg, Vitamin C 500 mg, methionine 2 g daily | Selenium, vitamin C, methionine may reduce oxidative stress in chronic pancreatitis | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Pancreatitis Recovery & Chronic. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas - acute (sudden, severe) or chronic (progressive damage over time). The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin. In acute pancreatitis (usually from gallstones or alcohol), the enzymes activate inside the pancreas causing self-digestion. Chronic pancreatitis causes permanent damage, leading to inability to digest food (exocrine insufficiency) and eventually diabetes. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, greasy stools, and weight loss.
CRITICAL: Acute pancreatitis is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Treatment involves IV fluids, pain control, and treating the underlying cause (removing gallstones, stopping alcohol). Chronic pancreatitis requires management by a gastroenterologist. The cornerstone of chronic pancreatitis management is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) - prescription-strength pancreatic enzymes taken with all meals and snacks. Alcohol cessation is essential. Pain management is complex and may require specialists. These supplements address the nutritional deficiencies that result from malabsorption but do NOT treat pancreatitis itself.
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)* is essential for chronic pancreatitis with exocrine insufficiency. Without adequate enzymes, fat and protein aren't digested, causing malnutrition, weight loss, and greasy stools.
Fat-soluble vitamins (D, A, E, K)* become deficient because fat malabsorption prevents their absorption. Deficiency is extremely common and causes bone loss (D), vision problems (A), nerve issues (E), and bleeding (K).
Vitamin B12* can become deficient because pancreatic enzymes are needed to release B12 from food proteins.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have anti-inflammatory effects but must be taken with PERT for absorption.
MCT Oil* provides calories that can be absorbed without pancreatic enzymes - useful when fat malabsorption is severe.
Antioxidants* (selenium, vitamin C, methionine) have been studied for chronic pancreatitis pain with some positive results.
Expected timeline: PERT works immediately when dosed correctly. Correcting vitamin deficiencies takes weeks to months. Chronic pancreatitis is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management.