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Nutrition and the pancreas
Nicolò de Pretis1, Federico Caldart1, Salvatore Crucillà1
1Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, Pancreas Center, University of Verona, Verona.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|June 18, 2025
Summary
The pancreas has exocrine and endocrine functions crucial for digestion and glucose control. Understanding their interplay with diet is vital for managing pancreatic diseases and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Endocrinology
- Pancreatic Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The pancreas performs exocrine functions (digestive enzymes, bicarbonates) and endocrine functions (glucose-regulating hormones).
- Mechanisms regulating these dual pancreatic functions and their interactions remain incompletely understood.
- Nutritional status significantly influences the prognosis of pancreatic inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions.
- To explore the relationship between pancreatic function and diet.
- To analyze the impact of pancreatic diseases on nutritional status and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on pancreatic function and disease.
- Analysis of the interplay between diet, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions.
- Evaluation of nutritional status in patients with pancreatic diseases.
Main Results:
- Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions are critical for nutrient digestion and glucose homeostasis.
- Malnutrition is prevalent in pancreatic diseases and affects patient outcomes.
- Dietary modifications and nutritional support can impact disease management.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing medical management of pancreatic diseases requires investigating and identifying malnutrition.
- Understanding the relationship between pancreatic function, diet, and disease prognosis is essential.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex regulatory mechanisms of pancreatic functions.
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