Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Is Surprisingly Common

Once again, an old-time concept once dismissed has now been shown as valid with modern research. Natural health clinicians have long recognized that digestive disturbances greatly contribute to chronic disease. To the roles in maldigestion of hypochlorhydria and dysbiosis we can now add pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI). At least 20% of the population aged >50 to 75 years with no diagnosed disease has EPI, with higher percentages found in those with disease, especially diabetes. This editorial explores the prevalence of EPI and its diagnosis, causes, and interventions.