8. What is the primary requirement for pancreatic enzymes to act?

Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. A normally functioning pancreas secretes about 8 cups of pancreatic juice into the duodenum, daily. This fluid contains pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
All enzyme supplements contain Pancreatin – a mixture of pancreatic enzymes lipase, amylase and protease. These assist the digestion of fat, carbohydrates and proteins. On average patients need a minimum of between 200-250,000 units of lipase / day to avoid symptoms of mal absorption.