What enzyme supplement is commonly prescribed for patients with cystic fibrosis?

In the context of cystic fibrosis (CF), patients often experience pancreatic insufficiency due to the thick mucus obstructing the pancreatic ducts, which hinders the delivery of digestive enzymes essential for nutrient absorption. Pancrelipase is a combination of digestive enzymes, including lipases, amylases, and proteases, that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the digestive system.

By supplementing these critical digestive enzymes, pancrelipase aids in enhancing nutrient absorption and improving overall nutritional status for individuals with cystic fibrosis. This is key for managing the condition and preventing malnutrition, which is a common concern in CF patients due to impaired digestion and absorption.

Other enzyme supplements, such as amylase, lactase, and trypsin, do not address the specific needs associated with the pancreatic insufficiency seen in cystic fibrosis. Amylase primarily aids in carbohydrate digestion, lactase is used to digest lactose specifically, and trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme that initiates protein digestion, but none provide the comprehensive digestive support necessary for these patients like pancrelipase does.