Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that results in the irreversible
deterioration of exocrine and endocrine function. Although research is limited, patients with chronic
pancreatitis are deemed at high risk for malnutrition. Typical complications include maldigestion,
malabsorption, abdominal pain, vitamin deficiency and poor bone health. The disease may be
further complicated by the development of pancreatogenic (type 3) diabetes. Nutritional problems
are exacerbated by poor dietary intake, pain, and possibly alcoholism. The aim of this review is to
present the available evidence, highlight areas with recently published research, and to provide
a framework for the management of patients with this nutritionally-challenging disease.