EPI Explained: When Digestive Enzymes Fall Short

You eat well, skip the extra-oily, salty, and spicy meals, and stay committed to regular exercise. Still, the bloating, gas, and discomfort keep showing up after you eat. On top of that, there may be stomach cramps, frequent bathroom trips, oily-looking stools, nagging fatigue, or even unexplained weight loss. If any of this feels familiar, it might not just be “bad digestion.” It could be a sign of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).

Don’t overthink too much—it’s more common than you think. Here’s what this Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is.

What Exactly Is EPI?
Enzymes are proteins that break down the food you eat.¹ On the other hand, EPI happens when your pancreas isn’t making enough digestive enzymes.¹ Worse, the ones it does make don’t work the way they should.¹ EPI is most common in kids with cystic fibrosis and adults with chronic pancreatitis, but it can affect others too.¹

How Are Nutrients Absorbed by the Body?
The different digestive enzymes have different tasks in breaking down food into nutrients. Lipase helps break down fats.² Protease works on proteins, and amylase deals with carbohydrates.³

When your pancreas cannot produce enough of these enzymes, food passes through your digestive system without being fully absorbed. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and low levels of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.^4,5

What Causes EPI?
Not all enzyme insufficiencies are the same.⁶ Some are written into your DNA from the very start. A gene passed down from a parent, or even a random mutation, can leave your body short on the enzymes it needs.⁶ These insufficiencies can show up at birth or sneak in later in life.⁶

Sometimes, it’s not genetics at all, but other health factors that can affect how well your pancreas works.⁶ Common causes include aging, diabetes, smoking, and gallbladder problems or gallbladder removal, which can all reduce enzyme production.⁶ More serious conditions such as chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas), cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder that thickens body mucus), or pancreatic cancer can also damage the pancreas and lead to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). In short, anything that disrupts normal pancreatic function can result in enzyme insufficiency.⁶

What Are the Symptoms of EPI?
Symptoms of EPI can be mild at first but often become more noticeable over time. People with EPI may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and oily stools.⁶ If the condition is left untreated and becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term nutrient malabsorption and malnutrition, causing fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.⁶

Because these symptoms can resemble other digestive conditions like IBS, celiac disease, or IBD, it’s best to see a doctor. Timely medical advice can help identify the cause and guide you to the right treatment.

What Helps Treat EPI Symptoms?
The main treatment for EPI is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or PERT. This involves taking prescription enzymes with meals to help your body digest food effectively.⁷

Your doctor will work with you to find the right dose since everyone’s needs are different. The amount of enzymes you take usually depends on the size and type of your meal. For example, a big meal with a lot of fat will usually require more enzymes than a small snack. It can take some trial and error to figure out the right balance, but with your doctor’s guidance, you’ll find the dosage that helps you feel better and get more nutrition out of your food.

Is There a Digestive Supplement That Helps with EPI?
Yes, definitely! Again, if you’re living with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), the most common treatment is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).⁷ Alongside PERT and lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, balanced meals, avoiding trigger foods, and keeping track of your body’s signals, some people also find additional support from over-the-counter enzyme supplements.

One option to consider is Enzymax Forte^®.⁸ It’s specially formulated to help ease symptoms linked to enzyme deficiency or imbalance.⁸ By delivering targeted digestive enzymes directly to your stomach and intestines, Enzymax Forte^® helps improve digestion, reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion, and support better nutrient absorption.⁸

Enzymax Forte^® is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php48.00 per capsule or Php960.00 per box of 20 capsules.⁸

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ENZYMAX FORTE^® AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.