Digestive Enzyme
Pancreatin
Also known as: Pancreatin, Pancreatic enzymes, Porcine pancreatin, Pancrelipase
Digestive enzyme complex derived from porcine pancreas containing amylase, lipase, and protease. Supports digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Pancreatin product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Multi Enzyme | 87 A | $0.56 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations Systemic Enzyme Complex | 86 A- | $1.35 |
| 3 | Thorne Pancreatic Enzymes | 85 A- | $0.97 |
| 4 | Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes | 84 A- | $0.62 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations Pancreatic Enzyme Formula | 77 B+ | $0.61 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition POWER-ZYMES DIGESTIVE ENZYME | 71 B | $0.47 |
| 7 | Integrative Therapeutics Bio-Zyme | 63 B- | $0.43 |
| 8 | Carlson Natural Digestive Enzymes | 63 B- | $0.34 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Pancreatin should I take?
The typical range is 500-2000 mg with meals (or by USP units). As needed with meals
When should I take Pancreatin?
With meals. Yes - take at start of meal.
Which form of Pancreatin is best?
Porcine-derived — Most common, high potency. Other forms in the catalog: Enteric-coated, USP units.
Is Pancreatin safe?
Commonly reported: Nausea, Abdominal discomfort, Diarrhea at high doses. Serious warnings: Fibrosing colonopathy with very high doses. No significant concerns
Which Pancreatin supplement scores highest?
Thorne Multi Enzyme, at 87/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Digestive support
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Malabsorption
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Pancreatin reached a verdict on: 1 with no effect. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found no effect (1)
“Pancreatic enzyme supplements do not seem to relieve abdominal pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis and should not be prescribed solely for this purpose, given their significant cost and potential side effects.” PMID 27446871
How it works
- Breaks down proteins (protease)
- Breaks down fats (lipase)
- Breaks down carbohydrates (amylase)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000 mg with meals (or by USP units)
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes - take at start of meal
- Duration
- As needed with meals
- Special populations
- Higher doses for pancreatic insufficiency
Forms
- Porcine-derived
- Enteric-coated
- USP units
Safety
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea at high doses
Contraindications
- Acute pancreatitis
- Pork allergy
Products containing Pancreatin
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Pancreatin on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Well-established for pancreatic insufficiency; moderate evidence for general digestive support
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Digestive Enzyme
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.