What Does It Mean?
Pancreatic Insufficiency occurs when the pancreas fails to produce adequate digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. This dysfunction is often associated with chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, or underlying metabolic disorders, contributing to digestive distress and systemic nutrient deficiencies.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes
- Pancreatic Enzyme Deficiency – Insufficient production of amylase, lipase, and proteases affects macronutrient breakdown and absorption.
- Chronic Inflammation – Ongoing inflammation can damage pancreatic tissue, impairing enzyme output.
- Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis – An imbalanced gut microbiome disrupts pancreatic function and nutrient assimilation.
- Post-Vaccine Immune Dysregulation – Immune-mediated stress on the pancreas may contribute to enzyme dysfunction.
- Metabolic Stress & Toxin Overload – Impaired liver and pancreatic function may result in poor digestion and systemic inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms
- Bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal discomfort
- Steatorrhea (fatty stools) and diarrhea
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness due to malabsorption
- Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Blood sugar imbalances
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and lab markers that assess pancreatic function and inflammation.
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Amylase, Serum | Normal or decreased | 40.00-86.00 U/L |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Normal or Increased | 10.00 – 16..00 mg/dL |
| Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Normal or Increased | 10.00 – 30.00 U/L |
| Lipase | Normal or Decreased | 22-51 U/L |
| White Blood Cell Count (WBC) | Normal or Increased | 5.5-7.5 x10⁹/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
The treatment approach focuses on supporting digestive enzyme production, reducing inflammation, and optimizing gut health for improved nutrient absorption.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports gut microbiome balance and promotes a healthy inflammatory response with active probiotic strains. | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Provides essential electrolytes and B vitamins to support hydration, metabolic function, and cellular energy production. | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Helps prevent bacterial overgrowth and supports the integrity of the gut lining and urinary tract. | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita Microbe | Antimicrobial support to balance gut bacteria and reduce pathogenic overgrowth. | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. | ¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| V-Inflamma | Supports inflammatory balance and systemic healing to reduce pancreatic stress. | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports enzyme production to aid in proper digestion and nutrient absorption. | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Novo Hepatic | Supports liver detoxification and metabolic function to aid pancreatic and digestive health. | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Magnesium | Supports enzyme function, muscle relaxation, and energy production. | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports hormone balance and liver detoxification, aiding pancreatic function. | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Pyloricil | Provides gastrointestinal support by enhancing gut lining integrity and reducing inflammation. | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Supports immune function and antioxidant protection to reduce systemic inflammation. | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Supports mitochondrial health and energy production while reducing oxidative stress. | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Supports microbial balance and reduces fungal overgrowth in the gut. | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Provides methylated B vitamins to support metabolic processes, liver detox, and energy production. | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Provides antioxidant protection and detoxification support for the liver and pancreas. | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Enhances glutathione production and detox pathways to reduce oxidative stress on the pancreas. | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Supports immune function and gut integrity by enhancing mucosal immunity. Helps with malabsorption and inflammatory responses. | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports gut and connective tissue health, helping to repair the intestinal lining and improve digestive function. | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Delivers active probiotics to balance gut microbiota and promote healthy digestion and immune support. | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Enhances blood flow and circulation, supporting metabolic function and nutrient absorption. | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Pancreatic Enzyme Support – Encourage dietary intake of enzyme-rich foods (e.g., fermented foods, bitter greens) or enzyme supplementation if necessary.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Reduce inflammatory triggers (processed foods, sugar, alcohol) to support pancreatic healing.
- Gut Microbiome Optimization – Incorporate probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods to restore gut balance.
- Hydration & Electrolyte Balance – Ensure adequate hydration to support enzyme function and metabolic activity.