results in progressive
exocrine and endocrine dysfunction, thereby
affecting the normal digestion, absorption,
and utilization of nutrients. The nutrition research in
pancreatitis has centered on acute pancreatitis, probably
due to its life-threatening nature. In comparison, much
of the evidence relating to nutrition in CP (with the
exception of pancreatic enzymes) is older and of
lower quality. Consequently, the available guidelines
are similarly acute pancreatitis-focused. However,
the lack of research does not mean that nutrition is of
little consequence in CP. In fact, the opposite is true,
and nutrition in CP has been described as a ‘problem
area’.1
Issues of concern include vitamin deficiency,
osteoporosis, brittle diabetes and malabsorption – all of
which increases morbidity and affect patients’ quality
of life (QOL). As alcohol is a major etiological factor
in CP, the effects of excess alcohol intake on nutritional
competency may also be considerable.